VGW Founder Laurence Escalante Hit With Nine New Drug Charges In Perth Court

West Australian billionaire Laurence Escalante, founder of Virtual Gaming Worlds, is facing additional criminal allegations that expand an already complex legal case in Perth.

Good to Know

• Total number of charges now stands at 17 following nine newly filed drug-related counts.
• VGW confirmed a temporary leadership change earlier, with Escalante stepping away from CEO duties.
• Authorities allege possession of ketamine, MDMA, and cocaine in quantities described as trafficable.

Escalante, age 44, appeared again at the Magistrates Court of Western Australia, where proceedings focused partly on bail conditions and travel limitations. During that appearance, prosecutors outlined the new allegations, adding three counts of possessing a prohibited drug and six counts tied to unlawful possession of controlled or prescription substances.

Police claim discovery of multiple drugs during execution of a search warrant. Investigators also allege possession of trafficable quantities, an accusation that can carry serious legal consequences under Western Australia law.

Earlier filings already listed aggravated home burglary, assault, stealing, and persistently engaging in family violence among the accusations connected to an incident in late January. According to court material reported by The Australian Financial Review, Escalante allegedly entered a residence of a 24 year old former partner on Jan. 26, demanded that she leave, struck her, and removed jewelry including a watch and Cartier bracelets valued near $150,000. Authorities further allege destruction of a Hermes bag worth about $66,000.

Police later located several items, including a $25,000 Rolex watch, Cartier bracelets, and diamond earrings, inside a bedroom safe at a residence of Escalante.

Legal counsel Simon Freitag asked the court to ease reporting obligations and adjust a restriction that bars Escalante from approaching within 500 meters of the international departures area at Perth Airport. The defense also requested changes to a suppression order created out of concern about risks of kidnapping or extortion targeting a high net worth individual whose fortune is estimated at $4.5 billion.

A spokesperson for VGW said:

“We are aware of the serious charges made against Mr. Escalante. These are unrelated to VGW and personal in nature.

“However, we can confirm Mr Escalante will be taking a leave of absence from his role as CEO and Executive Chairman of VGW. In the interim, we have installed experienced leadership from our existing executive team to take on those responsibilities, and it remains business as usual for VGW.”

Legal Pressure Builds Around A Major Name In Sweepstakes Gaming

Virtual Gaming Worlds operates globally in online gaming technology and digital entertainment, with LuckyLand Casino ranking among the most recognized sweepstakes casino platforms in North America. Sweepstakes casinos, a fast-growing segment of online gaming, function under promotional contest frameworks rather than traditional real money wagering licenses in many jurisdictions, a model that has drawn sustained attention from regulators and policymakers.

Leadership continuity has become a key focus for VGW as internal executives assume operational oversight. Company activity continues while court proceedings unfold, according to public statements.

Western Australia maintains strict criminal property confiscation statutes. Under those rules, authorities may seek control of assets linked to drug trafficking offenses regardless of whether wealth originated from unlawful conduct, a factor that legal observers continue to monitor closely.

Another court appearance is scheduled for June 18, where procedural timelines and evidentiary steps may become clearer.

The post VGW Founder Laurence Escalante Hit With Nine New Drug Charges In Perth Court appeared first on iGaming.org.