Victoria's casino regulator is investigating Crown Resorts following internal inquiries initiated by the gaming company’s board, according to the Australian Financial Review.
Crown's internal investigation is reportedly focused on Carruthers and his alleged intervention to reinstate patrons removed from the Melbourne precinct on at least two occasions. Victoria's Gambling and Casino Control Commission confirmed its active investigation into the matter.
A spokesman for the Commission is quotes as saying by the Australian Financial Review: "The VGCCC is aware of an internal matter involving Crown and are actively investigating. We are not in a position to provide further comment at this time."
While the allegations against Carruthers are under investigation, sources close to the VGCCC probe suggested the regulator is specifically examining claims related to allowing a minor onto the gaming floor.
In response to the ongoing inquiries, a Crown spokesman confirmed the engagement of external counsel to conduct an independent review. The investigation will also explore whether there should be limitations placed on management's authority concerning customer safety.
Crown Resorts has been operating under strict conditions set by the VGCCC, which granted it a special licence after a royal commission deemed the group unsuitable to hold a casino licence. The decision regarding Crown's capability to independently operate the casino is anticipated in early 2024.
Carruthers, appointed by Blackstone following its acquisition of Crown last year, has a background of two decades in Macau, overseeing operations at casinos.
This inquiry, led by former Federal Court judge Raymond Finkelstein QC, prompted the installation of a special manager with authority over the casino's management and recommendations on its gaming licence continuation.
Notably, earlier this year, Crown agreed to pay a AU$450m (US$294m) fine to AUSTRAC for breaches of anti-money laundering and counterterrorism laws. The company's financial performance in recent times has been affected by the costs related to improved compliance measures and penalties, reporting a loss of AU$199m in its latest financial statement.
