Thursday 15th June 2017 |
Text too small? |
Three men have been found guilty in a multi-million dollar gaming machine fraud case, after manipulating gambling licences and grants.
In the Wellington High Court, Michael Joseph O’Brien of Blenheim was found guilty of five charges of obtaining by deception, Paul Anthony Max of Nelson was found guilty of three charges of obtaining by deception and Kevin Coffey of Hastings was found guilty of one charge of obtaining by deception and not guilty of one charge of the same.
The offending was detected during Operation Chestnut, a joint investigation involving the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), the Organised and Financial Crime Agency of New Zealand, and the Serious Fraud Office, the SFO said in a statement, describing the investigation as a significant case for the Class 4 gambling sector which is made up of high-turnover gambling including pokie machines.
"Funding from pokie machines provides millions of dollars of community funding for sport, health, education and other activities every year," SFO director Julie Read said. "Operation Chestnut has been effective in enabling the DIA to pinpoint areas where compliance can be lifted in the sector so that pokie machine benefits can continue without the risk of manipulation or potential criminal activity."
The defendants have been remanded in custody by Justice Robert Dobson to next appear for sentencing on July 13.
(BusinessDesk)
No comments yet
GTK - Half-Year Results Announcement Date
Government ends war on farming
Sky and BBC Studios renew expanded, multi-year agreement
AOF - Q1 Improved Trading Performance & FY24 Guidance Maintained
Devon Funds Morning Note - 23 April 2024
April 23rd Morning Report
RYM - Group CEO Update
BGI - Director Michael Chai
RAD - Final Dividend and Strong FY24 Operating Performance
RYM - Group CEO Update