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Ex-Star boss in breach over 'dysfunctional' culture
Bekier and Martin face over $7 million in fines for failing to disclose money laundering risks tied to Chinese junket operator and China UnionPay, the Federal Court ruled.
- On March 5, 2026, Justice Michael Lee found Matthias Bekier and Paula Martin breached corporation law, in a 501-page judgment published on Thursday.
- Amid revelations of junket ties, the court found Bekier should have informed the board of Suncity, and Justice Lee described senior management culture as 'dysfunctional' and 'unethical'.
- Trial testimony described staff delivering tied bundles of $50 notes in a blue Esky/cooler and operators blocking CCTV with a blanket, while emails falsely claimed 'non-gambling purposes' to National Australia Bank and China UnionPay.
- The decision gives ASIC a partial victory, and Bekier and Martin face fines totaling more than $7 million with hearings set by the Federal Court within seven days; each breach carries up to $1,050,000 in penalties.
- Star's finances and investor confidence are under severe strain, with the board citing material uncertainty about its future after a rescue deal approved late last year by Queensland and NSW regulators.
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Star's former CEO and lawyer facing millions in fines over Chinese money laundering case
Star casino's former top boss and its legal counsel both breached their director's duties and "failed" to heed warnings about money laundering by Chinese criminal syndicates, the Federal Court in Sydney has found.
·Australia
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Sydney Morning Herald+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Judge damns Star’s ‘dysfunctional and unethical’ culture under former CEO
A landmark Federal Court case found executives breached their duties as criminals used Star to launder money, but not the high-profile board that relied on them.
·Sydney, Australia
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left3Leaning Right3Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Left, 37% Right
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Left, 37% of the sources lean Right
38% Left
L 38%
C 25%
R 37%
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