Hard Rock Fires VP Alex Pariente on Misconduct Claims

Hard Rock International has cut ties with a senior executive following financial misconduct allegations, just as it competes for one of New York’s coveted downstate casino licenses. The company confirmed it fired Alex Pariente, a top hotel and casino operations VP, after a whistleblower reported questionable practices at the Hard Rock Punta Cana property. The incident, while outside the U.S., arrives at a sensitive time for the brand as it pushes ahead with plans for an $8 billion casino development in Queens. Pariente had already been suspended after the allegations surfaced about a month ago as reported by iGaming.org

Good to know

• Allegations involve disguised casino deposits in the Dominican Republic to evade money laundering rules.
• Whistleblower claims the dismissed executive had a pattern of letting gambling debts go unpaid.
• Hard Rock is one of eight contenders for a New York City casino license.

The internal investigation focused on a $100,000 casino deposit by a Chinese gambler at Hard Rock Punta Cana. According to a whistleblower, Pariente instructed an assistant, Silvia Mendez, to break the transaction into 33 smaller deposits to avoid triggering reporting thresholds — a tactic known as structuring. Mendez was also reportedly dismissed.

Hard Rock Cuts Ties With Executive as NYC Casino Bid Continues

Hard Rock released a statement confirming the termination and stating that external legal counsel from two top law firms helped conduct the review. “This thorough examination included independent parties… to ensure objective analysis of our operations,” the company said, calling the decision an example of its commitment to ethical standards.

The whistleblower, R.J. Cipriani, praised Hard Rock’s leadership. “I applaud Jim Allen for believing in the intel I presented him with over a month ago. He acted swiftly,” Cipriani said. He added that his intention was to protect Hard Rock’s New York bid from being damaged by offshore issues.

The timing of the dismissal adds pressure to Hard Rock’s campaign to win one of three licenses up for grabs in New York City. The company is proposing a major casino development next to Citi Field in Queens, backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen. With public scrutiny mounting around all applicants, internal compliance is expected to weigh heavily in the final licensing decisions.

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