13 WTHR IndianapolisWynn Resorts forcibly buys out biggest stakeholder

Wynn Resorts forcibly buys out biggest stakeholder

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NEW YORK -

Wynn Resorts says it forcibly bought back shares from its biggest stakeholder after finding the Japanese tycoon made improper payments to gambling regulators.

The Las Vegas company says it took action against Kazuo Okada after a year-long investigation uncovered that he engaged in activities that violated U.S. anti-corruption laws. Wynn has asked Okada to resign from the board.

The company says discoveries include cash payments and gifts totaling about $110,000 to foreign gaming regulators Okada is the founder of casino game maker Universal Entertainment. He held an almost 20% stake in Wynn Resorts Ltd.

Wynn says it filed a lawsuit against Okada and Universal Entertainment in Nevada District Court for breach of fiduciary duty and related offenses.

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