An independent investigation into the CEO of Australian casino operator Crown Resorts, Ciarán Carruthers, has cleared him of any wrongdoing over allegations he intervened to let some patrons who had been removed by security back into the casino at Crown Melbourne.
According to a report by local media outlet The Age, Crown Chairman Bill McBeath sent an internal memo to staff confirming that Carruthers did not breach any regulations or laws and reiterating the company’s support for the remediation work he is undertaking to transform Crown and ensure it returns to suitability to operate its casinos in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
The report also revealed that the investigation into Carruthers was the result of a whistle blower complaint.
The Australian Financial Review previously reported on the allegations that Carruthers intervened to allow a patron back in after he was banned for a year for bringing a minor onto the casino floor. Another incident allegedly saw Carruthers allow a drunk patron to stay after being previously told to leave the premises.
In his memo, McBeath stated, “The investigation found no regulations or laws were breached by the Crown Resorts CEO with respect to these allegations.
“Nonetheless, in light of the concerns raised, the Crown Resorts directors will initiate a group-wide review of our security policies and procedures, to ensure clearer lines of authority and accountability over operational decision-making in our properties. Further, the board will continue to uphold its obligation to ensure our most senior executives are modelling the Crown values and behaviours at all times.
“Mr Carruthers is an experienced and well-respected executive and has the full and absolute support of the Crown board of directors as he continues to lead the organisation through its transformation.”
According to The Age, the Victorian Gaming and Casino Commission has also cleared Carruthers of any wrongdoing.
“The commission is satisfied that Crown’s handling of the whistle blower complaints and the recommendations resulting from Crown’s own investigation into the complaints were appropriate,” it said.
Carruthers, a former senior executive with Wynn Macau Ltd, was appointed as Crown Resorts CEO last year after US private equity giant Blackstone took Crown private.
Crown is due to learn whether its remediation work has been deemed successful in April, when the Victorian Gaming and Casino Commission is due to decide whether Crown has regained suitability to hold the Victorian casino licence.
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