Embattled VGW Founder Laurence Escalante Hit With Nine More Drug Charges

Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) Founder Laurence Escalante’s second trip to Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday ended with the billionaire receiving nine additional drug charges, bringing the total to 17, including the alleged assault of his ex-girlfriend.

Escalante’s empire is reportedly worth AU$4.5 billion ($3.18 billion). VGW, a leading online casino operator in the US, announced that Escalante would be taking a leave of absence from his CEO role after his arrest on January 29.

After originally being charged with aggravated home burglary, unlawful assault, stealing, and possession of MDMA and cocaine, Escalante received six charges of unlawful possession of a controlled or prescription drug and three additional charges of possessing a prohibited drug.

Charges Stem From Alleged Home Invasion

On January 26, Escalante allegedly entered the home of his ex-girlfriend and assaulted her before stealing jewelry, including a Cartier watch.

The 24-year-old woman alleged that Escalante punched her in the face, and claimed the assault was just the latest in a series of violent incidents involving the 44-year-old tycoon.

Escalante, who plans to contest all charges, released a brief statement following his detention last month.

“My arrest on these matters has come as a shock to myself and my family,” he said. “From the little I know of the allegations at this stage, I can only say that they are untrue and will be defended. I ask that both mine and my family’s privacy be respected, and thank them for their support.”

Escalante’s Fortune Potentially at Risk

Yesterday, Escalante’s lawyers “requested a variation to his bail conditions from not being allowed to be within 500 metres of any departure point, to not being allowed within 500 metres of any international departure point only.”

Escalante is required to check in at the closest police station three times a week. Before being released from custody, Escalante was forced to provide a $100,000 bond.

Escalante was notably absent from this month’s Forbes Australia’s top 50 richest list as he faces charges that could cost him part of his fortune earned through VGW, whose flagship brands include Chumba Casino, Luckyland Casino, and Global Poker.

Escalante checked in at No. 35 on the Australian Financial Review’s richest list last year. Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch noted that police do “have the option to seize assets.”

“But ultimately, at the end of any of those investigations, we do have to link the profit to the use or sale of drugs with the conclusion,” Blanch added.