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.
According to a report by Bloomberg, 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.
Marina Bay Sands told Bloomberg it has not received any requests from the DOJ but insisted it takes the allegations seriously and is investigating all assertions raised.
Likewise, 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 unauthorized money transfers.”
Bloomberg also pointed to 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.
According to the report, an internal probe conducted by MBS found instances of casino employees mishandling letters of authorization and resulted in the company amending its procedures.
Operations at MBS, renowned as one of the most profitable casinos on earth, have been suspended since 7 April due to COVID-19.
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