According to new reports, Steve Wynn could face trial for failing to register as a Chinese lobbyist. The allegations stem from accusations that the company was unable to disclose payments of $5 million made to a political consultant working on behalf of the country. Wynn has denied any wrongdoing and says he complies with all relevant laws.
Casino mogul Steve Wynn is fighting a DOJ demand.
If Wynn is found guilty of failing to register, he could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In a filing made in Nevada federal court last week, Wynn argues that his work as a consultant to the Wynn Macau Limited Partnership (Wynn MLP) does not constitute lobbying because it does not involve attempts to influence U.S. government decisions on behalf of China.
However, suppose investigators find that Wynn violated the Lobbying Disclosure Act by failing to disclose his relationship with the MLP. In that case, he could be fined up to $25,000 for each day of the violation and face up to six months in jail.
Reports claim that the casino mogul failed to disclose his ties to the Chinese government.
Reports emerged on Thursday that casino mogul Wynn Resorts could face a trial for failing to disclose his ties to the Chinese government. The accusation comes from a report by the Investigative Reporting Project on Independent Media, which alleges that Wynn hid his work as a lobbyist for the Chinese government from Nevada gaming regulators. It is unclear whether Wynn will face charges, but if he does, it would be the latest scandal to hit the casino mogul. Wynn has recently been embroiled in several other controversies, including allegations of sexual misconduct and money laundering.
If convicted, Wynn could face up to five years in prison
If convicted, Las Vegas casino magnate and Republican donor Steve Wynn could face up to five years in jail for not registering as a Chinese lobbyist. The allegations against Wynn come from a report by the Wall Street Journal, which cites people familiar with the matter. If true, this would be Wynn’s second run-in with federal investigators.
Steve Wynn maintains his innocence and vows to fight the charges.
Under federal law, lobbyists must register with the Department of Justice if they intend to contact government officials on behalf of a foreign entity. Wynn has argued that his work for the Macau government did not constitute lobbying because he was not paid for his efforts.
Steve Wynn is one of several notable Americans who have been accused of failing to register as lobbyists for the Chinese government.
According to the Reuters report, Wynn is one of several notable Americans accused of failing to register as lobbyists for the Chinese government. In addition, Wynn’s company allegedly failed to file paperwork disclosing that it hired a lobbying firm with ties to the Chinese government.
The allegations could result in Wynn facing trial and possible jail time.