Andrew McManus responds to media reports on money laundering case

Promoter Andrew McManus has issued a bullet-point statement to media following reports of his arrest last Thursday night.

The figure behind Australian tours by Fleetwood Mac, ZZ Top, KISS and Lenny Kravitz was arrested at Melbourne airport over his alleged affiliation with a drug syndicate.

Today, the 54-year-old’s publicist Leanne Menard, owner of Menard PR, has released a statement on his behalf. “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,” one point reads.

According to Fairfax, McManus had 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. 

His arrest followed the arrests of Sydney solicitor Michael Croke, convicted drug trafficker Craig Haeusler, US businessman Owen Hanson Junior, and Zeki Atilgan, owner of the Gaziantep Sweets & Pastry shop in Auburn. The same charges were reportedly handed to Haeusler and Croke while Atilgan had been allegedly charged with two counts of money laundering.

The five men were detained in Australia and the US in connection with an alleged importation of 300 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico, via America, and money laundering. 

One media report stated that NSW police were expected to apply for the extradition of McManus from Melbourne.

“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,” the statement reads.

The statement also notes McManus will “strenuously defend the charges that have been brought against him” and that Def Leppard’s November tour, which he is promoting, will go ahead.

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.