United States
United Kingdom
Summary
- Wynn reportedly contacted Trump for the Chinese government back in 2017 as the country sought to bring back a Chinese national to the country.
- The DOJ wants Wynn to register as a foreign agent for China.
- Wynn resigned from Wynn Resorts in 2018 amidst sexual misconduct allegations.
- The former gaming executive is a private citizen now and not providing a statement on the matter at this time.
After being in hot water for several years due to many allegations of sexual misconduct as an executive of Wynn Resorts, Steve Wynn is now facing another issue.
The former CEO and chairman of Wynn Resorts has been sued by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), for not registering as a foreign agent.
Allegedly, Wynn lobbied former President Trump and administration members for the Chinese government as they sought to bring back a Chinese nation. Because of the actions of Wynn, he was asked to register as a foreign agent for China several times but did not do so.
Details of the Claim
The DOJ says that while he was acting as CEO and chairman of Wynn Resorts, Steve Wynn lobbied the federal government for China. The complaint says that Wynn acted for the People’s Republic of China in an attempt to protect his business interests in Macau.
Wynn Resorts not only offers gaming services in the United States, but also in Macau. The company has three casinos in the region, and at the time that Wynn was said to have contacted Trump, the government of Macau had restricted the number of games that the company could operate.
Wynn Resorts was looking to renegotiate its gaming concession in Macau. Basically, the DOJ believes that Wynn worked for the Chinese government in attempt to gain favor and be allowed to offer gaming options in the region for his help.
In a statement, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen, said:
Where a foreign government uses an American as its agent to influence policy decisions in the United States, the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) gives the American people a right to know.
What Happens Next?
It is unclear as to what will happen to Wynn due to the charges. The DOJ wants Wynn to submit a registration statement as a foreign agent. They are also seeking other relief as the court sees fit. What that means exactly is anyone’s guess.
Wynn now lives in Florida and a spokesperson for him said that he is living as a private citizen and is exercising his rights. A statement will not be provided nor any interviews. Lawyers for Wynn have spoken out, stating they will contest the filing.
The attorneys say that Wynn never acted as an agent for the Chinese government and is under no obligation to register within the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
