Australian businessman James Packer told Crown Casinos Independent Inquiry that his bipolar disorder had an impact on his behavior in the past
M Packer appeared on his first day of interrogation, when he revealed problems caused by his condition of the metal
This afternoon’s hearing has been suspended for legal argument over the publication of emails sent by Mr. Packer in 2015, his lawyers arguing they should be kept confidential
But he resumed after more than half an hour to reveal that M Packer had sent threatening emails to a businessman, referred to as Mr. X, to protect his identity for investigation
He admitted his behavior was « shameful » and « shameful » after sending allegedly threatening emails to Mr. X in 2015, when he was trying to privatize the company, although the reason for these emails has not yet been made public
« How can the NSW regulator have confidence in you or your integrity in light of your conduct in these emails? » He asked
However, it is believed to be the first time that he expressly admits a bipolar diagnosis
The Independent Alcohol and Gaming Authority (ILGA) investigation examines whether Crown is suitable to hold an NSW license for its soon-to-be-opened harbor casino in Barangaroo, Sydney
In particular, she is investigating allegations the company turned a blind eye to money laundering as high profile international players were brought to Australia to play by separate companies called « junket operators »
As questioning began this afternoon, the hearing was told that Mr. Packer was on medication which made it difficult for him to remember the information
Assistant lawyer Adam Bell interviewed M Packer on his drug use in the past four years since he started retiring from the company
« And you say you think it impaired your ability to remember past events, including a time when you were director of Crown Resorts, is that correct? »
M Bell also interviewed M Packer on his business relationship in 2015, around the time he was considering privatizing Crown
He was also asked about his close friendship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after being introduced to him by Israeli businessman Arnon Milchan
Crown currently operates casinos in Melbourne, Perth and London and is expected to open Sydney Casino in late December
The investigation also took a close look at a now-abandoned offer by Hong Kong-based casino company Melco to acquire a significant stake in the company.
M Packer resigned as director of Crown Resorts in 2018 citing mental health reasons at the time
Almost a year later, it sold a large part of its shares but remains today a major player
Today’s questioning is expected to focus on his involvement with Crown since leaving as director and the extent of his influence over the company
To date, the investigation has heard from over a dozen witnesses, including senior compliance officials, who have been asked about the company’s mechanisms to identify and mitigate serious risks
Former President John Alexander told the inquest last week that he was unaware of the « red flags », even as late as last year when the Commonwealth Bank threatened to close bank accounts operated by Crown subsidiaries for money laundering reasons
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James Packer
World News – AU – James Packer Tells Crown Inquiry His Drugs Impair Memory, Admits Bipolar Diagnosis
