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He will work together with the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
This masthead revealed last week the chief gaming regulator, ILGA chairman Philip Crawford, had formally requested that the Perrottet government commission a public inquiry into pokies, money laundering and problem gambling, in a move backed by police.
Less than a week later, the NSW Crime Commission has intervened to launch its own inquiry, vindicating the calls for an inquiry to trigger extensive reforms.
It follows revelations in a joint investigation by this masthead and 60 Minutes with CCTV evidence of a money-laundering syndicate cleaning tens of thousands of dollars at inner-city pokies venues. It was subsequently revealed 10 Sydney “mini casino” pokies venues had been targeted by suspected professional money launderers.
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Under its terms of reference published on Friday, the independent crime agency will investigate the nature and extent of money laundering in licensed premises, in particular through electronic gaming machines.
It will also identify potential regulatory and legislative vulnerabilities that could be exploited for money laundering.
NSW Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello, who has been the most vocal government member to call for a gambling reform and a dedicated inquiry, said the inquiry would outline “for the first time … the link between organised crime and how they use pokies to launder dirty cash”.
Mr Dominello’s push for reform has made him the target of sustained lobbying by key industry players to see him stripped of his ministerial responsibilities over liquor and gaming in Mr Perrottet’s imminent cabinet reshuffle.
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Police Minister David Elliott welcomed the joint inquiry’s pursuit of vulnerabilities within the legal framework and said he expected NSW Police to make a submission to the inquiry.
“Organised crime costs our community more than $36 billion each year, and criminal networks are dependent on money laundering channels to legitimise the proceeds of their activities,” he said.
In a statement ClubsNSW chief executive Josh Landis welcomed the inquiry and said the peak body was “eager to assist” the commission.
“It is worth noting that the commission is making no assertions … but is simply trying to empower operators and regulators to stay one step ahead of criminal syndicates.”
Premier backs crime fighting agency’s inquiry into money laundering in pokies
Source: Philippines Alive
