Queensland Government Supports Casino Venture Linked to Organized Crime Figure

The Queensland government has given its endorsement to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) as a suitable licensee for the new Star Brisbane casino, despite the company’s associations with organized crime figures.

Chow Tai Fook has business ties with an individual linked to the notorious crime boss known as «Broken Tooth» Koi, raising concerns among gambling reform advocates regarding the integrity of the casino venture.

The decision comes after a high-profile inquiry revealed CTFE’s connections to organized criminals, including an undisclosed stake in a Vietnam casino tied to Alvin Chau, a known associate of Koi who is currently serving time for multiple criminal offenses.

Queensland’s Office of Liquor and Gambling Regulation (OLGR) affirmed that CTFE failed to disclose its partnerships, which were deemed concerning under Queensland law, which prohibits casino licensees from associating with persons of poor repute.

Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath stated that there was «insufficient evidence» to deem CTFE unsuitable for a casino license, drawing criticism from advocates who argue this lack of scrutiny demonstrates a failure to protect the public interest.

Tim Costello, an advocate for gambling reform, voiced his disbelief at the government’s support for CTFE, stating that previous assessments of the company’s conduct should not be trusted.

Despite assurances from the Queensland regulator that CTFE’s ties to Ao Ieong Lok Hei, a businessman with a long-standing friendship with Koi, were legitimate, concerns regarding potential corruption and money laundering remain prevalent.

At a time when regulatory oversight is critical, this decision by the Queensland government, while hoping to boost local economy with the new casino, is shadowed by ties to organized crime figures, raising eyebrows among the public and experts alike.