New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has reached a settlement in its civil proceedings against Christchurch Casinos Limited over alleged breaches of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009. Under the agreement, the casino has admitted all seven causes of action in DIA’s amended statement of claim and will join DIA in recommending that the High Court impose a NZD 5.06m penalty. DIA’s investigation, carried out between May 2023 and September 2024, identified failures spanning December 2018 to December 2023, including shortcomings in the AML/CFT compliance programme, account monitoring, enhanced customer due diligence, termination of business relationships when required, and recordkeeping. The matter is expected to proceed to a High Court penalty hearing for the Court to determine the appropriate penalty, and Christchurch Casino is not alleged to have been directly involved in money laundering or the financing of terrorism.
Department of Internal Affairs 2025-08-01
New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs settles AML/CFT proceedings with Christchurch Casino and seeks NZD 5.06m penalty
New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs settled with Christchurch Casinos Limited for breaches of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009. The casino admitted to all seven causes of action and will recommend a NZD 5.06 million penalty to the High Court. DIA's investigation found failures in AML/CFT compliance, account monitoring, customer due diligence, business relationship termination, and recordkeeping. The High Court will determine the final penalty, with no direct involvement of the casino in money laundering or terrorism financing alleged.