Marina Bay Sands facing AML probe by US Department Of Justice. Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore resort owned and operated by US casino giant Las Vegas Sands, is reportedly under investigation by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) over potential breaches to anti-money laundering regulations.
The DOJ earlier this year issued a subpoena to a former compliance chief at Singaporean entity Marina Bay Sands Pte to supply documents and any other information related to the accounts of VIP players.
The report alleges US prosecutors are investigating possible violations regarding the use of junkets or third-party lending using casino credit, as well as whether there has been any retaliation against whistle blowers.
Singapore’s Casino Regulatory Authority said it has not been contacted by the DOJ regarding MBS but issued a statement outlining its commitment to “ensuring that the casinos in Singapore, including Marina Bay Sands, remain free from criminal influence or exploitation, and takes a serious view of any allegations of unauthorised money transfers.”
An internal probe conducted by MBS found instances of casino employees mishandling letters of authorisation and resulted in the company amending its procedures.
A lawsuit filed last year by one of MBS’ high rollers, Wang Xi, who sued MBS to recover SG$9.1 million (US$6.5 million) he alleged was transferred to the accounts of other patrons without his consent. Such transfers are common when authorized.
[image: Wikimedia Commons]
