Skyline's Christchurch Casino faces $5 million anti-money laundering fine

The Chief Executive of the Skyline (Queenstown) owned Christchurch Casino has apologised for breaking anti-money laundering laws.

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) said on Friday that as part of the settlement, Christchurch Casino admitted all seven causes of action in the DIA’s amended statement of claim. The casino has agreed to a proposed $5.06 million penalty.

"DIA found that Christchurch Casino had failed to establish, implement and maintain a compliant AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009) compliance programme, adequately monitor accounts, conduct compliant enhanced customer due diligence, terminate existing business relationships when required, and keep records as required by the act," a statement read.

In a statement to Crux, Brett Anderson said:

"Christchurch Casino accepts responsibility for its substantial AML failings, and on behalf of the Board and Management I apologise to our stakeholders and the community for Christchurch Casino being in this position. We are aware of our obligations and take our responsibility to combat money laundering and terrorism financing seriously.

"Christchurch Casino was not directly involved in money laundering or the financing of terrorism, but we failed where we should have succeeded in meeting our responsibilities under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act.

"We have a remediation plan in place to ensure our policies, processes and controls are robust. This plan is underway and will make certain we meet our regulatory requirements and live up to the trust that is placed in us by our community.

"We are committed to getting this right, not just for today but also for the future, and look forward to working with the DIA to ensure that we do."