Lawrence Ho and James Packer expected to be called to Crown Resorts inquiry

When the witness list for the high-stakes New South Wales inquiry into Crown Resorts’ casino operations is unveiled on Tuesday, the names of both Melco Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho and James Packer are expected to be on it, according to a report in The Australian.

This inquiry, led by former New South Wales Supreme Court Judge Paddy Bergin, was brought about by the blockbuster allegations appearing in the Australian media regarding claims that Crown Resorts or its associates had been working with junket operators with links to drug traffickers and organized crime groups.

Lawrence Ho’s intention to purchase James Packer’s nearly 20 percent stake in Crown is also expected to come under scrutiny.

Ho’s fitness for the involvement in the Australian casino market is being questioned not specifically due to anything that he was done, but more as a result of his identity as the son of Stanley Ho, whom some believed maintained links to organized crime syndicates.

Crown Resorts’ casino license for its location in Sydney’s Barangaroo hangs in the balance in the inquiry.

James Packer announced earlier this month that the multi-billion dollar Barangaroo development is now scheduled to open at Christmas 2020, presuming that the license is issued.

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