Australia financial crime watchdog slaps money laundering lawsuit on Crown Resorts

FILE PHOTO: The logo of Australian casino giant Crown Resorts Ltd adorns the hotel and casino complex in Melbourne, Australia, June 13, 2017. REUTERS/Jason Reed/File Photo

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's financial crime watchdog filed a wide-ranging civil lawsuit against casino operator Crown Resorts Ltd on Tuesday, accusing it of failing to assess risks of money laundering and terrorism financing at its only two operational resorts.

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) said the company started by billionaire James Packer had failed to meet its obligations, making its business and the country's financial system "vulnerable to criminal exploitation".