Imperial Pacific International said it assisted in an investigation by enforcement officers on Saipan on November 7, adding the probe does not affect its daily casino operations.
Hong Kong-listed Imperial Pacific said an “office of the group in Saipan provided relevant information and documents as required by the enforcement authorities.” It said that to the best of the board’s knowledge the actions won’t affect daily operations.
According to local media reports, the Federal Bureau of Investigation raided IPI’s main office on Saipan, as well as CNMI Governor Ralph Torres’ office, vehicle and home. They also visited his brother’s law firm, Torres Brothers. The reports gave no details on the reasons for the raid.
Imperial Pacific operates the only casino on Saipan in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, a US territory. However, construction of the resort has been plagued by numerous delays, amid typhoons and reports of forced and illegal labour by one of its main contractors. The company has yet to complete the hotel portion of the property.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief
