Casino Cosmopol has today lodged an appeal against the Lottery Inspectorate’s decision on sanction fee for shortcomings in money laundering work. Casino Cosmopol believes that it can not be considered correct to decide on penalty fee when there is no clear regulation and guidance from the Lottery Inspectorate.

On November 27, the Lottery Inspectorate sent a message on a regulatory issue regarding Casino Cosmopol’s efforts to counter money laundering and condemned a penalty of SEK 8 million for shortcomings in money laundering. A week later, Casino Cosmopol submitted a plan of action stating strong efforts to meet shortcomings in the short and long term the Lottery Inspectorate believes. Casino Cosmopol has also filed an appeal against the Lottery Inspectorate’s decision on sanction fee.

“It is natural for Casino Cosmopol to follow the money laundering regulations, and we consider it vital to help prevent money laundering in all its forms. We appeal to the Lottery Inspectorate’s decision mainly because we consider that in this situation it is not proportional to decide on a penalty. Sanction charges shall only be used unless other methods, such as imposing upon us, are sufficient. In the absence of clear regulations and guidance from the Lottery Inspectorate, it can not be considered correct to decide on a penalty fee, “said Per Jaldung, president of Casino Cosmopol.

Casino Cosmopol believes that the Lottery Inspectorate has neither issued clear rules nor provided guidance on how to deal with the issues raised as a basis for the sanction decision. These are difficult assessment questions and partly new legislation, which makes it unclear how a program to prevent money laundering should be designed. The basis for the decision on fee is also very limited.

The Lottery Inspectorate has been monitoring Casino Cosmopol’s activities since the casino opened and the money laundering has been in place for the casinos since 2005. The Lottery Inspectorate has thus known all Casino Cosmopol’s instructions and procedures for a long time, and Casino Cosmopol has never received any serious remarks in the area.

“In all the years we have driven our four casinos, we have had the perception that we are following money laundering legislation. We have staff who work with the questions daily. We have clear instructions and train all staff so they know how to act. All guests must legitimize before entering the casinos and the visits are recorded. We monitor, review and report suspicious transactions to the Finance Department. Our efforts to counter money laundering are ongoing, “said Per Jaldung.

The appeal was lodged on 17 December 2018. Full letter in which the grounds are developed will be submitted to the court later.