Crown Resorts clears CEO Ciaran Carruthers in alleged security law breach investigation

Australian casino operator Crown Resorts has given CEO Ciaran Carruthers a clean slate after investigating into allegations that he went against the decisions of the casino's security officers regarding the removal of intoxicated customers.

The internal probe, initiated in December 2023, focused on claims that Carruthers permitted the re-entry of patrons into the Melbourne casino after they were initially removed by security personnel, Reuters reported.

"The recent investigation by independent, external counsel initiated by the Crown Resorts Board is now complete and found that no regulations or laws were breached by the Crown Resorts CEO with respect to the complaint filed," William McBeath, Chairman of the casino owner, was quoted as saying in the report.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) which also conducted its separate investigation and expressed satisfaction with Crown's handling of the complaints. The VGCCC said it will continue to closely monitor the implementation of recommendations resulting from the investigation.

Blackstone-owned Crown Resorts chose not to disclose the recommendations publicly.

Carruthers, who joined Crown in 2022 with a background spanning decades at major casinos worldwide, including Wynn Macau, assumed his role after the $6.3-billion takeover by private equity giant Blackstone. The acquisition marked a transition from the ownership of the billionaire Packer family.

In April, the commission is expected to make a determination on whether Crown's Melbourne casino is deemed fit to regain its Victorian license. In May 2023, the VGCCC imposed stringent conditions on Crown's Melbourne casino after granting a special license.

"The Commission’s assessment of Crown Melbourne Limited’s suitability to hold the Melbourne Casino Licence is ongoing and will be finalised by mid-April," the commission said, as per the report.

Crown Resorts has faced ongoing regulatory challenges, including a royal commission in Victoria focusing on money-laundering charges. Since 2021, the company has undergone significant leadership changes as part of an effort to demonstrate to authorities that governance systems have been rebuilt.