Casino Owner's Links to Notorious Gangster Spark Outrage

An ABC investigation has uncovered a web of connections between Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE), a major player in Australia's most expensive casino venture, and notorious organized crime figures in Hong Kong and Macau. The revelations have raised serious concerns about the Queensland government's decision to grant CTFE a casino license despite these ties.

The Ties That Bind

The investigation found that CTFE has business dealings with Ao Ieong Lok Hei, a longtime friend and confidant of US-sanctioned crime boss “Broken Tooth” Wan Kuok Koi. Mr. Ao Ieong, who serves as a director of the CTFE-backed China Diamond and Jewellery Exchange, has a long history with “Broken Tooth” Koi, dating back to the 1990s. During Macau's infamous gang wars, Mr. Ao Ieong held a director position in the gangster's “charitable foundation.” In 2013, after “Broken Tooth” Koi was released from prison, Mr. Ao Ieong transferred company shares to him. “Broken Tooth” Koi was sanctioned by the US government in 2017 for his role in organized crime throughout Asia and the Pacific, encompassing activities like bribery, corruption, and misappropriation of state assets.

A Lack of Transparency

Despite these connections, the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gambling Regulation (OLGR) determined that CTFE's association with Mr. Ao Ieong was “legitimate.” The OLGR's investigation concluded that the historical business association between Mr. Ao Ieong and “Broken Tooth” Koi had ended in 2012. However, Mr. Ao Ieong himself confirmed to the ABC in 2022 that he and “Broken Tooth” Koi remain close friends, often meeting for lunch. This contradicts the OLGR's findings and raises questions about the regulator's diligence in investigating CTFE's ties.

A Pattern of Disregard

The Queensland government's decision to overlook CTFE's criminal associations is not an isolated incident. CTFE also failed to disclose its partnership in the Hoiana casino in Vietnam with Suncity, a VIP gambling “junket” controlled by Alvin Chau. Mr. Chau, who was jailed in 2021 for fraud, illegal gambling, and criminal association, was considered a protégé of “Broken Tooth” Koi. While CTFE eventually severed ties with Mr. Chau, it did so only after his arrest, raising concerns about the company's transparency and commitment to ethical business practices.

The Queensland government's decision to excuse CTFE's lack of “candour and fulsomeness” with the regulator by citing “differences in cultural and organisational expectations” is particularly troubling. The government appears to be turning a blind eye to the potential for corruption and money laundering associated with CTFE's connections, putting the integrity of the Queensland gambling environment at risk.

A Lack of Accountability

Gambling reform advocates have slammed the Queensland government's decision to grant CTFE a casino license, calling it “laughable” and questioning the government's commitment to public safety. They argue that the government's lenient stance on CTFE's criminal associations sends a dangerous message that organized crime figures are welcome in the Queensland gambling industry.

A Looming Omnishambles

The revelations about CTFE's connections to organized crime raise serious concerns about the future of the Star Brisbane casino project. The casino, which is scheduled to open this month, represents a significant investment in the city's future. However, the association with individuals linked to organized crime casts a dark shadow over this project, raising questions about the integrity of the venture and the potential for corruption and scandal.

The Queensland government's decision to overlook CTFE's criminal associations is a dangerous precedent. It sends a message that organized crime figures are welcome in the Queensland gambling industry and undermines the government's commitment to public safety. As the Star Brisbane casino project unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the company's operations closely and hold CTFE accountable for its actions.

The Public's Trust

The Queensland government's decision to grant CTFE a casino license, despite its connections to organized crime, raises serious questions about the government's commitment to transparency, accountability, and public safety. It remains to be seen whether the government will take steps to address these concerns or allow CTFE to operate with impunity.

The gambling industry is a complex and heavily regulated sector. It is essential for governments to exercise due diligence in granting casino licenses and to hold casino operators accountable for their actions. The Queensland government's decision to overlook CTFE's criminal associations sends a troubling message and could have serious consequences for the future of the state's gambling industry.