The lawyer representing Kazuo Okada in his legal stoush with Steve Wynn has withdrawn as the Japanese gaming mogul’s legal representative following the recent controversy surrounding Okada and Universal Entertainment Corp.
As reported by Reuters, David Krakoff, who had been representing both Okada and Universal on behalf of Buckley Sander LLP, was granted permission by Clark County District Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez to drop Okada as a client. He will continue to represent Universal.
It follows Okada’s dumping as Universal Chairman last month amid allegations he illegally used US$20 million of company funds for personal gain. A Special Investigation Committee established by Universal is currently investigating three separate cases of alleged fraud.
Krakoff told Judge Gonzales he planned to fly to Japan to meet with Universal officials in regards to representation.
“I cannot tell you what their position might be, but I will say this to the court – we do not bring this motion to delay or disrupt these litigations,” Reuters reported Krakoff as saying.
Okada’s legal battle with Wynn Resorts stems from their split when he was a director of the company in 2012 amid allegations he had violated anti-bribery laws by treating Philippines officials to expensive nights out in Las Vegas and Macau – allegations he has denied. Mr Okada is also under investigation by the FBI for a US$40 million payment to a consultant in Manila, allegedly to bribe officials and gain various concessions at his Okada Manila property which opened in December.
RelatedPosts
