Ex-Resorts World Executive Pleads Guilty in Federal Case

Suspicious reports filed against MGM Grand resulted in an investigation about potential illegal gambling. Allegations claimed breaches related to anti-money laundering (AML) regulations with Scott Sibella, a former Resorts World chief operating officer and president, named as responsible.

Now, as announced by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Sibella pleaded guilty to not filing suspicious activity reports while he was working at MGM Grant back in 2018. The admission of guilt was in front of the US District Court in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Considering Sibella’s guilty plea, he may face a penalty consisting of a fine of up to $250,000 along with up to five years of imprisonment. After spending eight years with MGM Grand Las Vegas, he was appointed as Resorts World’s chief operating officer and president.

The career of the former Resorts World executive started decades ago at the Golden Nugget. Moving up the ranks within the gaming and entertainment sector, in 2007, he was appointed as chief operating officer and president at The Mirage. After that, Sibella joined MGM Grand.

The Executive Has Been a Part of the Industry for 35 Years

Back in September, Resorts World parted ways with Sibella. At the time, the company cited breaches to the terms of his employment agreement, along with violations of company policies.

The recent report released a statement provided by Sibella where he spoke about his extensive contributions to the industry over the last 35 years. “I am appreciative of the many colleagues with whom I have been associated over my career and that I have been entrusted to lead, and who have supported me and my family throughout this process,” he explained.

Sibella added that he is pleased to see the aforementioned investigation finally come to an end. While he admitted accepting full responsibility for his actions he said: “I must make clear I took no action for my personal benefit or inurement.”

Besides the aforementioned federal lawsuit, the former Resorts World executive is a defendant in another legal claim. The lawsuit was filed against him by Robert “RJ” Cipriani, alleging Sibella together with Resorts World failed to identify illegal gambling activities taking place at the famous casino.