The chairman of the Commonwealth Casino Commission in the Northern Marianas says the $75-million US dollar penalty levied against Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino is so huge that he wouldn't be surprised if the CNMI's lone casino closes.
Commonwealth Casino Commission chair Juan Sablan said the case is serious and will also impact hundreds of people.
Dynasty casino, Tinian, CNMI. Photo: RNZ / Mark Rabago
Last week, the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network decided to fine the owner of Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino for willful and egregious violations of the Bank Secrecy Act.
In addition, officials found the casino operator had failed to develop and implement an anti-money laundering programme as the legislation requires.