The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating whether money funnelled to insolvent Australian operator Bonza breached US money-laundering laws.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reports that the DOJ is looking at whether Bonza's backer, Miami-based 777 Partners (and its funder, insurer A-CAP), sent money to Bonza instead of its intended destination, 777's soccer teams. The DOJ's Southern District of New York office is leading the investigation.
After fourteen months of operations, the loss-making Bonza ceased operations in April 2024 after lessors associated with 777 repossessed their aircraft. Bonza had relied on sporadic funding from 777 Partners. However, that ended when A-CAP lost patience with the failed airline venture and halted payments to 777. Administrators are now liquidating the airline.
All up, 777 Partners tipped around AUD78 million dollars (USD52.7 million) into Bonza in the pre and post-launch phases.
ch-aviation has contacted the Department of Justice for comment on the investigation.
In addition to the DOJ investigation, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) is looking into whether Bonza traded while insolvent, a breach of Australian laws that could see its then directors face criminal sanctions, including prison time. The directors of Bonza's holding entity, Bonza Aviation Pty Ltd, included CEO Tim Jordan, CFO Lidia Valenzuela, and 777 Partners' Steven Pasko and Adam Weiss
