Police Called to Probe Poker Crime Link

The Victorian Opposition Gaming spokesman, Ken Smith, told the media recently that his group has called on authorities to investigate the process leading to the issuance of a gaming licence to associates of convicted drug dealer Tony Mokbel.

Smith pointed out that the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation (VCGR) cannot conduct a probe on its own ruling; hence the police should independently investigate the matter, as well as facilitate all the necessary background checks to inhibit criminals from penetrating the gaming industry.

Smith has been quoted by the media as saying: "As soon as the name Mokbel came up, it should have set off alarm bells all over the place."

Mokbel's friend, Natalie Doumani received a five-year gaming venue operator's licence in September 2005. She then had talks with Tattersall's about putting 20 poker machines in Kilmore's Red Lion Hotel.

Tony Mokbel's estranged wife, Carmel Mokbel, owns Red Lion Hotel. Natalie reportedly once owned a racehorse with Carmel.

The opposition has requested an in-depth probe to determine whether it was legally appropriate that Natalie and her company, Great Avenue, have been granted the licence.

For his part, VCGR chief executive Peter Cohen allayed fears that poker machines were being used to launder dirty money. "We have never identified a suspicious transaction that has caused us to think it might be money laundering," Cohen stressed.

Still, the opposition is not taking any chances, saying criminals could still be considering using poker machines for their illegal activities.

August 09, 2006
Pauline Davis