Money laundering probe at Fontainebleau mistakenly disclosed by Gaming Commission
An inadvertent leak at Thursday's Nevada Gaming Commission meeting revealed Fontainebleau, the newest resort on the Las Vegas Strip, is under investigation by gaming regulators.
Nevada Gaming Commissioner Rosa Solis Rainey asked Fontainebleau president Maurice Wooden about the investigation Thursday, catching the executive off guard as he sought licensing as a key employee.
'With respect to AML (anti-money laundering), tell me about the issues that are currently going on at the Fontainebleau with respect to credit issuance,' Solis-Rainey said to Wooden. 'Are you aware of those?'
'I'm not sure of any investigation as it relates to anything with AML. Is there something specific? I'm not sure,' Wooden responded.
'I think that is something that staff is currently further investigating, prior to any further action,' Gaming Control Board member Chandeni Sendall chimed in.
'It's not listed in our materials as confidential, by the way,' noted a visibly irked Gaming Commission Chairwoman Jennifer Togliatti.
'Is it confidential or not confidential?' Solis-Rainey inquired. 'We have in our materials that there's an investigation ongoing with respect to the credit practices not being followed.'
The issue, she said, involved ownership approving credit without proper approval from compliance executives. Fontainebleau is owned by Jeffrey Soffer. The $3.7 billion property opened in December 2023.
'If those processes happened, they were certainly before my time. I was, you know, not on property for what I believe some of the questions you're asking,' Wooden responded, adding he believes 'at least one or two of those issues did happen, almost like the opening week.'
Wooden is likely referring to a $2 million marker issued to gambler and illegal bookmaker Damien LeForbes, shortly after the resort's opening in December 2023, according to Robert Cipriani, a professional gambler who provided information to the federal government about money laundering at MGM Grand and Resorts World.
LeForbes and illegal sports bookie Mathew Bowyer have pleaded guilty to operating unlawful gambling businesses and to money laundering.
MGM Resorts entered into a non-prosection agreement with the government in early 2024 and paid a $7.45 million fine. Its former president, Scott Sibella, agreed to a plea deal for failing to comply with AML regulations. The feds have yet to take any action against Resorts World, where Sibella also served as president until his termination in September of 2023, and where Bowyer and LeForbes were permitted to gamble without known sources of funds.
The Gaming Commission fined Resorts World $10.5 million in March and imposed an $8.5 million fine against MGM in April.
Cipriani contends the investigation has expanded to a handful of other resorts, including Fontainebleau.
In early January 2024, weeks after Fontainebleau's opening, Cipriani tweeted the casino granted a $2 million marker to LeForbes, who eventually 'blew thru it all,' according to Cipriani.
'All the casinos that took DJ Leforbes' and Matt Bowyer's action are being investigated by GCB,' Cipriani said Friday.
No efforts have been made by Fontainebleau or Venetian, where the two also gambled, to recover the funds via the District Attorney's Office, according to court records.
Gaming Control Board Chairman Kirk Hendrick told Togliatti the information about the investigation, which was included in the Commission's back up documents, should have been marked confidential.
'I don't want to go any deeper into this matter until the board has an opportunity to review it and, of course, speak with the licensee,' he said.
Stacy Michaels, a Fontainebleau executive, said the GCB audited five player accounts and had concerns with three. Michaels added that agents were eventually satisfied the company had followed proper protocol.
The Gaming Commission issued a two-year license to Wooden.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Alona Shevtsova Drives SmartFlow's AI Transformation in AML and KYC Procedures
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - SmartFlow Payments Limited, trading as Sends, is about to launch advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions tailored to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. Alona Shevtsova, CEO of SmartFlow, commented: 'The integration of AI into our AML and KYC procedures is a milestone in our plan to combine innovation, human expertise and regulatory excellence. Artificial Intelligence enables us to enhance compliance through predictive behaviour models. Combining all the accessible tools, we, at SmartFlow, build trust and safeguard the financial ecosystem.' [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] smartFlow To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Alona Shevtsova will also share her insights on the role of AI in fintech as a panellist at the upcoming Middle East Banking Summit in Dubai, where industry leaders plan to explore how advanced technologies are changing the future of fintech worldwide. Key highlights About SmartFlow Payments Limited (Sends) SmartFlow Payments Limited, trading as Sends, is a UK-based e-money institution authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to offer electronic money issuance, payment services, virtual IBAN accounts, and multi-currency business accounts. Operating with technological agility, SmartFlow enables businesses to manage international payments, FX conversions, and dashboard analytics in a unified platform. Contact Information For media inquiries or support, contact: [email protected] | [email protected] Sends is a trade name of SMARTFLOW PAYMENTS LIMITED, registered in England and Wales (Company No.11070048). Address: Office 39.18, Level39, One Canada Square, London, England, E14 5AB Marketing Department contacts: [email protected] Contact: Anastasiia Pervushyna To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Aptose Reports Early Data Demonstrating Tuspetinib Improves Standard of Care Treatment Across Diverse Populations of Newly Diagnosed AML in Phase 1/2 TUSCANY Trial
Addition of Tuspetinib (TUS) to Venetoclax (VEN) and Azacitidine (AZA) is being developed as safe and mutation agnostic frontline therapy for AML Addition of TUS to VEN+AZA improves response rates; 100% CR/CRh at 80 mg and 120 mg Addition of TUS to VEN+AZA improves MRD-negativity rates; 78% among responders 100% CR/CRh in FLT3 wildtype AML, representing 70% of AML population 100% CR/CRh and MRD-negativity rates in TP53, RAS and FLT3-ITD mutated AML Broad spectrum activity and excellent safety profile continue at 120 mg dose to date SAN DIEGO and TORONTO, Aug. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aptose Biosciences Inc. ('Aptose' or the 'Company') (OTC: APTOF, TSX: APS), a clinical-stage precision oncology company developing the tuspetinib (TUS)-based triple drug frontline therapy to treat patients with newly diagnosed AML, today provided a data update from the Phase 1/2 TUSCANY trial in newly diagnosed AML. The trial was initiated in December 2024, and the growing body of positive data includes the recently completed third cohort of 120 mg TUS in the TUS+VEN+AZA triplet therapy. Data to date from ten (10) patients across all three cohorts, 40 mg, 80 mg or 120 mg TUS dose in TUS+VEN+AZA, support the use of TUS with standard of care treatment across all AML populations, including those carrying mutations that are the most difficult to treat and those with mutated and unmutated (wildtype) FLT3 genes. The TUS+VEN+AZA triplet is being developed as a safe and well-tolerated mutation agnostic frontline therapy to treat large, mutationally diverse populations of newly diagnosed AML patients who are ineligible to receive induction chemotherapy. At the 120 mg TUS dose level in combination with VEN+AZA, as with the prior reported 40 mg and 80 mg TUS dose cohorts, no significant safety concerns or dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) have been observed in the TUSCANY trial, including no prolonged myelosuppression in Cycle 1 of subjects in remission, no reports of drug-related QTc prolongation or differentiation syndrome (DS), and no treatment-related deaths. Nine out of ten dosed patients remain on study across all dose cohorts and enrollment is being advanced to the 160 mg TUS dose level following the Cohort Safety Review Committee (CSRC) meeting. 'We already have data from three different TUS dose levels in the TUSCANY trial, and the data continue to strengthen at higher doses of TUS and over time. We are building a strong case for TUS+VEN+AZA as a triplet frontline therapy of choice to address a broad AML population, including subgroups with the most adverse of mutations,' said William G. Rice, Ph.D., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aptose. Data highlights: Comparison of CR/CRh1 Response rates2-5: VEN+AZA2 TUS+VEN+AZA All subjects 65% 90% (9/10) NPM1-mutant 67% 100% (2/2) FLT3-ITD 61% 100% (2/2) TP53-mutant 52% 100% (2/2) Comparison of MRD-negativity6 rates among All Subjects and among CR/CRh Responders3: VEN+AZA2,3 TUS+VEN+AZA Among All Subjects 23.4% 70% (7/10) Among CR/CRh Responders 40.9% 78% (7/9) Comparison of MRD-negativity rates among more difficult-to-treat Patient Subpopulations defined as Lower Benefit (TP53-mutated) and Intermediate Benefit (FLT3-ITD or RAS-mutated) relative to VEN+AZA5: VEN+AZA3,5 TUS+VEN+AZA Intermediate Benefit 27.9% 100% (3/3) Lower Benefit 14.5% 100% (2/2) TUS+VEN+AZA - CR/CRh and MRD-negativity rates among Subjects with Adverse Mutations: TP53, FLT3-ITD, RAS mutations: Achieved CR/CRh and MRD-negativity 100% (5/5) 'As illustrated in the data highlights, the addition of TUS to VEN+AZA appears to boost response rates and MRD-negativity while maintaining favorable safety and tolerability,' said Rafael Bejar, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Aptose, 'and the 100% CR/CRh and 100% MRD-negativity rates among the five biallelic TP53-mutant, FLT3-ITD, and RAS-mutant AML cases are exciting to see, as this can correlate with longer overall survival. We have observed a trend towards achieving CRs more quickly at the higher dose levels, so we are keen to see the activity as we advance into the 160 mg TUS dose cohort.' Key messages: Addition of TUS to VEN+AZA demonstrates excellent CR/CRh rates 100% CR/CRh among all subjects treated at 80 mg and 120 mg TUS dose levels Appear to be achieving CR earlier with 120 mg TUS than with 40 mg or 80 mg Addition of TUS to VEN+AZA demonstrates excellent MRD-negativity rates MRD-negativity in 7 of 9 (78%) already achieved in patients who responded to therapy Expect patient survival to be extended with continued long-term treatment Excellent safety and well tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicities (No DLT) at completed dose levels Broad-spectrum activity including patients with adverse TP53, RAS and FLT3-ITD mutations No loss of MRD-negativity observed to date, including in one patient with over 7 months of follow up MRD-negativity and remissions continue to mature over time on therapy No relapses reported to date and no treatment related deaths The only non-responder was a patient at the initial TUS dose level (40 mg) that did not achieve TUS exposures previously associated with response Additional data are included in the new Aptose corporate presentation here. TUSCANY: TUS+VEN+AZA Triplet Phase 1/2 Study The tuspetinib-based TUS+VEN+AZA triplet therapy is being advanced in the TUSCANY Phase 1/2 trial with the goal of creating an improved frontline therapy for newly diagnosed AML patients that is active across diverse AML populations, durable, and well tolerated. The TUSCANY triplet Phase 1/2 study, being conducted at 10 leading U.S. clinical sites by elite clinical investigators, is designed to test various doses and schedules of TUS in combination with standard dosing of AZA and VEN for patients with AML who are ineligible to receive induction chemotherapy. A convenient, once daily oral agent, TUS is being administered in 28-day cycles. Multiple U.S. sites are enrolling in the TUSCANY trial with anticipated enrollment of 18-24 patients by late 2025. Data will be released as it becomes available. More information on the TUSCANY Phase 1/2 study can be found on (here). About Aptose Aptose Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to developing precision medicines addressing unmet medical needs in oncology, with an initial focus on hematology. The Company's lead clinical-stage, oral kinase inhibitor tuspetinib (TUS) has demonstrated activity as a monotherapy and in combination therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is being developed as a frontline triplet therapy in newly diagnosed AML. For more information, please visit Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian and U.S. securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the therapeutic potential and safety profile of tuspetinib (including the triplet therapy) and its clinical development, the anticipated enrollment rate in the TUSCANY trial and the timing thereof, as well as statements relating to the Company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements including words such as 'continue', 'expect', 'intend', 'will', 'should', 'would', 'may', and other similar expressions. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements described in this press release. Such factors could include, among others: our ability to obtain the capital required for research and operations and to continue as a going concern; the inherent risks in early stage drug development including demonstrating efficacy; development time/cost and the regulatory approval process; the progress of our clinical trials; our ability to find and enter into agreements with potential partners; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; changing market conditions; inability of new manufacturers to produce acceptable batches of GMP in sufficient quantities; unexpected manufacturing defects; and other risks detailed from time-to-time in our ongoing quarterly filings, annual information forms, annual reports and annual filings with Canadian securities regulators and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions set out in the section entitled 'Risk Factors' in our filings with Canadian securities regulators and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission underlying those forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and we do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. We cannot assure you that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. For further information, please contact: Aptose Biosciences PietropaoloCorporate Communications & Investor Relations201-923-2049spietropaolo@ 1 Complete Response / Complete Response with Partial Hematological Recovery2 DiNardo et al. New England Journal of Medicine, August 2020; Volume 383(7):617-629.3 Pratz et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology, December 2021; Volume 40 (8):855-865.4 Othman et. al. Blood Neoplasia; September 2024; Volume 1 (3):1-11.5 Döhner et. al. Blood. 2024 November 21;144(21):2211-2222.6 MRD-negative indicates that the amount of Measurable Residual Disease, as assessed by central flow cytometry, is such that the proportion of leukemic cells in a bone marrow sample falls below <0.1%Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
5 hours ago
- Business Insider
How to buy crypto anonymously
There are many reasons to buy crypto anonymously. Maybe you want to avoid government or employer surveillance, or try to prevent identity theft. Maybe you live in a place that restricts crypto activity, or you simply want to preserve what privacy you can in our digital landscape. There are also illegal reasons to buy cryptocurrency anonymously, like money laundering — but just like any other type of illegal activity, law enforcement may still be able to uncover a user's identity on the heels of illicit activity. In many cases, crypto transactions are said to be pseudonymous rather than truly anonymous, meaning your identity may ultimately be discoverable to someone who is looking. Trying to buy crypto anonymously also runs the risk of transacting on unvetted marketplaces or falling prey to scammers who lure you in with the promise of privacy. In the future, regulatory changes could also make your attempts at anonymity worthless. That being said, if you're interested in buying crypto anonymously (or at least more privately than usual), this guide will help you understand how to do so. How to Buy Bitcoin or Crypto Anonymously 1. Download Best Wallet from the App Store or Google Play. 2. Create your wallet —no ID or personal details required. 3. Fund your wallet anonymously. Choose a payment method that doesn't require verification. 4. Buy crypto instantly. Tap "Buy," select your cryptocurrency, enter the amount, and confirm your purchase. 5. Store and manage privately. Your crypto appears instantly—you can manage, swap, or hold your assets securely and anonymously in-app. Is it legal to buy crypto with no verification? Whether it's legal to buy crypto without verification depends on where you live. For example, in the EU, new rules are set to go into effect in 2027 that prohibit anonymous crypto accounts and certain privacy-focused coins like Monero and Zcash. In some other jurisdictions, such as the US, there are no specific rules greenlighting or banning anonymous crypto purchases for individuals. The US does have Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations that apply to many financial transactions, including around how centralized crypto exchanges generally have to comply with AML rules and other requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act. However, not all crypto transactions necessarily fall under these rules. So-called "no KYC" decentralized exchanges allow users to buy and sell crypto without requiring government-issued ID. These no KYC exchanges may be able to operate based on not taking custody of any client assets, but the specifics and legality vary based on how the platform operates and the jurisdiction. Ultimately, buying crypto anonymously can be somewhat of a legal gray area, and rules are subject to change. Be sure to research compliance rules in your area and consider whether you're willing to take on the risks that come with anonymity, such as possible compliance enforcement later on and the fact that you're engaging with anonymous parties. Best ways to buy crypto anonymously in 2025 If you do want to buy crypto anonymously, some of the best ways — depending on your circumstances and preferences — include the following: Use peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto marketplaces P2P marketplaces like Paxful can enable you to exchange crypto directly with other parties, rather than going through a formal exchange that verifies your identity. These marketplaces are subject to change, however, which we saw with the closing of popular options AgoraDesk and LocalCryptos. Be sure to research the reputation of any P2P marketplace first, and consider options like using escrow accounts for greater security. Also, if meeting in person to exchange cash for crypto, consider doing so in public for your safety. Buy crypto with cash/bitcoin ATMs You can also buy crypto with cash at Bitcoin ATMs, which might also enable you to connect your digital wallet to conduct the transaction. While many ATMs still require verifying your identity, not all do. You can search online for Bitcoin ATMs near you and determine their privacy and buying protocols. Try to find a Bitcoin ATM provider that has a reliable track record, much like how you might exercise some caution before using a random cash ATM. Be sure to keep your guard up against crypto scams, though, as scammers often use cash or ATM transactions that can be hard to trace. Use decentralized exchanges (DEXs) DEXs are similar to P2P marketplaces ( in certain cases, the terms are used interchangeably), but generally, DEXs have a bit more structure and technology. Some DEXs enable you to make anonymous purchases by simply connecting your non-custodial wallet (a wallet you manage on your own). Some examples of DEXs include Uniswap and Bisq. The level of anonymity can vary by DEX and the wallet you're using, but in general, you don't have to verify your identity like you do with centralized exchanges. Your anonymity also depends on what's recorded on blockchains. If you purchased crypto first through a centralized exchange and then traded that crypto on a DEX, the transaction could be clearly traced back to you. Keep in mind that transacting anonymously on DEXs generally involves tradeoffs like more complexity and lower liquidity than more transparent centralized exchanges. Use prepaid cards or gift cards If you fund an initial crypto purchase from your regular bank account, your payment method can also be traced back to you. But if you use an anonymous payment method like prepaid cards or gift cards to trade on P2P platforms where allowed, your identity is more likely to remain private. However, this might not be an option everywhere, and it can add a layer of cost and complexity. Mine crypto instead of buying You may be able to mine new coins while staying relatively anonymous, though it depends on the mining process. Mining can be complex and expensive to get started, as you often need significant amounts of computing power, particularly if mining on your own. But the payoff can be large while also helping you stay private. In particular, mining privacy-focused coins like Monero (XMR) can be a good way to obtain crypto with anonymity. When mining such coins, you may be able to choose between solo and pooled mining. Solo is often the way to go for maximum control and privacy, but it can be harder and take longer to find a block for a payout. As mentioned, though, it's very hard to truly remain anonymous with anything crypto-related. Even something like a spike in electricity usage for mining crypto could tip off someone intent on finding a crypto holder's identity, especially if you have to register with local authorities to consume more power. Best coins for anonymous crypto purchases Not all crypto assets have the same level of privacy. If you want to maximize anonymity, consider the following: Privacy-focused coins Certain types of coins, such as Monero (XMR), Zcash (ZEC), and Pirate Chain (ARRR), are known as privacy coins. They're built with privacy in mind to limit identifiable information, such as by using ring signatures that make it hard to tell which particular user within a group signed the transaction. However, regulation, such as in the EU, could ban or at least alter privacy-focused coins. In the UK, for example, popular exchange Kraken no longer supports Monero. These coins also might not provide the use cases that you want or have the risk/return profile you're looking for compared to other types of crypto. Weigh whether the potential privacy benefits are worth the downsides, like the possibility that regulatory changes will cause you to have to liquidate privacy coin holdings. Use mixing services With more traditional crypto assets like Bitcoin, you can potentially increase your anonymity by using coin mixing services or features like Coinjoin, which bring multiple users together into one transaction to make it harder to tell who exactly participated. While not outright illegal, typically, these services can be deemed illegal or fraudulent. Crypto mixing service Samourai Wallet was shut down in 2024, in part due to charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering. How to stay private after you buy In addition to considering the type of crypto you're buying and where, consider how you can optimize privacy after the transaction takes place, such as by using privacy-focused wallets like Best Wallet. Another consideration is to use VPNs or the Tor browser rather than linking the transaction to your regular IP address, though these can also introduce new risks. For instance, some Tor nodes contain malware. Only using one crypto address per wallet and keeping your wallet information private can also help you prevent your identity from being exposed after buying crypto. You might even use cold storage (offline wallets) to avoid hackers getting into your wallet. If you then need to send crypto anonymously, you might go back into a P2P marketplace, for example. Risks and red flags when buying crypto anonymously While you might have good reason for trying to stay anonymous, keep in mind that you're generally increasing risk by entering this side of crypto. For example, scammers might try to take advantage of your desire for anonymity and reel you in with phishing links, fake wallets, or misrepresentations on P2P platforms. That's why you should consider factors such as whether the seller is willing to use escrow (it could be a red flag if they won't) and be sure to verify wallet addresses before completing the transaction, so you're not sending money to the wrong person. Think carefully about which platforms you're conducting transactions through, too, as you might feel more secure using one that has a higher reputation for safety. FAQs What is the safest way to buy crypto anonymously? The safest way to buy crypto anonymously depends on your perspective and what you're trying to buy. Buying a privacy-focused coin could be considered relatively safe, as the privacy controls are built into the asset rather than you having to jump through hoops like using a Bitcoin ATM. Should I use a VPN when trading crypto? Some investors like to use a VPN when trading crypto to conceal their IP address and reduce the risk of a cyberattack, but you don't have to, especially if you're not concerned with anonymity. If you do choose to use a VPN, make sure you're using a reputable VPN provider. Is crypto truly anonymous? No, crypto generally isn't anonymous by default. It's often considered pseudonymous, meaning you're not using your real name, but the transactions are still tied to a particular identity. However, there are ways to stay more private when buying crypto, such as conducting transactions through P2P marketplaces instead of centralized exchanges. Certain types of crypto are also more anonymous by design.
