The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated a significant legal action against eleven past and present board members and high-ranking officials of Star Entertainment Group. The crux of the matter is Star’s association with junket operator Suncity and its purported connections to criminal syndicates. ASIC claims that Star, under the oversight of these leaders, opted to broaden their partnership with Suncity and its affluent clientele despite warnings about possible financial malpractice. This inaction, ASIC asserts, constitutes a violation of anti-money laundering regulations and a neglect of responsibility by those tasked with protecting the company and the soundness of Australia’s economic framework. Included in the legal proceeding are former chairman John O’Neill and current chairman Ben Heap, with Heap declaring his resolve to contest the allegations. The lawsuit also pursues other notable individuals who held crucial roles at Star from 2017 to 2019, including Matthias Bekier, Kathleen Lahey, Richard Sheppard, Gerard Bradley, Sally Pitkin, and Zlatko Todorcevski. ASIC is especially attentive to the conduct (or absence thereof) of former company secretary and group general counsel Paula Martin and former chief casino officer Greg Hawkins. The regulatory body maintains that these persons did not sufficiently address and minimize the genuine hazards of money laundering linked to Suncity.
Star Entertainment Group issued a public response to the legal measures initiated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). The company recognizes the civil lawsuit filed in Federal Court against a group of current and former board members, in addition to a past executive.
The legal claim alleges violations of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), particularly section 180(1), connected to an ASIC inquiry. These accusations appear to originate from issues previously scrutinized in investigations conducted by Adam Bell SC in New South Wales and Robert Gotterson AO KC in Queensland.
Sitting directors Ben Heap and Katie Lahey, who are identified in the lawsuit, affirm their dedication to the board restructuring process declared earlier this year. They intend to resign once supplementary directors are selected and a seamless handover is guaranteed.
This legal proceeding comes after a substantial $100 million AUD penalty levied against Star Entertainment by the Queensland government for “grave shortcomings” at its gaming establishments.