Wynn Resorts has agreed to pay $130 million in relation to unlawful international money transfers as part of a non-prosecution agreement that was concluded with U.S. federal authorities. In an important legal development for the massive resort operator, the firm acknowledged that it had let unlicensed money transfer companies to transmit money for gamblers at its famous site on the Las Vegas Strip.
Money Transfer Violations Acknowledged
The U.S. Department of Justice explained that the $130 million represents the funds involved in these unauthorized transactions. Wynn issued a statement to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the media, clarifying that the payment was not a fine and that the decade-long case did not result in money laundering charges. The company added, “Several former employees facilitated the use of unlicensed money transmitting businesses, which both violated our internal policies and the law, and for which we take responsibility.”
Wynn Resorts also confirmed it has severed ties with the entities involved in these complex overseas transactions. The company told the Associated Press that it has taken steps to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
Wynn Resorts has faced multiple legal hurdles in recent years. Its former CEO, Steve Wynn, resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations. Following these claims, the Nevada Gaming Commission fined the company $20 million for failing to investigate these allegations adequately. Additionally, Massachusetts regulators imposed a $35.5 million fine on Wynn for not disclosing the allegations while applying for a Boston-area casino license.
Attorney Daniel Silva, a former federal prosecutor, commented on the investigation, saying, “The criminal penalty paid by Wynn is the largest in the Department of Justice’s history for a casino.” Silva added that the case involved sophisticated international money transfers, allowing gamblers and Wynn to evade U.S. and foreign laws designed to ensure transparency under the Bank Secrecy Act.
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