Representatives for Australian tour promoter Andrew McManus have released a statement following the 54-year-old’s arrest last week after an international investigation by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the NSW Organised Crime Squad and the Australian Crime Commission.
McManus was one of five people arrested in Australia and the United States last week, following an investigation which began after the discovery of $702,000 cash in a suitcase at Sydney’s Hilton Hotel.
According to Fairfax, Mr McManus has been charged with perverting the course of justice, attempting to defraud by false of misleading statements and knowingly participating in a criminal group to assist crime. He was released on bail last Thursday night and will appear in a Sydney court on October 14th.
McManus’ reps say he will “strenuously defend the charges that have been brought against him” and have refuted recent reports about the circumstances of the arrest, stating that the “police have not alleged that Mr McManus has been involved in any drug syndicate, drug importation or money laundering.”
“Mr McManus has been cooperative with the police at all times in relation to this matter,” continues the statement. “He had previously agreed with the police that, should they wish to arrest and charge him, this would be done with notice and by appointment.”
Amongst the others arrested were convicted drug trafficker Craig Haeusler, Kings Cross solicitor Michael Croke, Auburn pastry shop owner Zeki Atilgan and US businessman Owen Hanson Junior.
McManus, of One World Entertainment, is the promoter for KISS’ upcoming Australian tour, due to start in Perth on October 3rd, as well as forthcoming Def Leopard and and Live tours.
According to the statement, the Def Leppard and Live tour is “not in jeopardy’ and will go ahead as planned in November, 2015.
Read the full statement below.
Statement on behalf of Andrew McManus
1. Andrew McManus will strenuously defend the charges that have been brought against him.
2. Contrary to some media reports, the police have not alleged that Mr McManus has been involved in any drug syndicate, drug importation or money laundering.
3. Contrary to some media reports, Mr McManus was never a party to any proceedings in the Supreme Court nor has the Supreme Court ruled against him in relation to this matter.
4. Contrary to some media reports, Mr McManus has never been the subject of any extradition application nor is there any basis to suggest that he will be in the future.
5. Mr McManus has been cooperative with the police at all times in relation to this matter. He had previously agreed with the police that, should they wish to arrest and charge him, this would be done with notice and by appointment.
6. The Def Leppard / LIVE tour is not in jeopardy and will still go ahead in November, 2015.
