Security personnel for an Australian online gambling billionaire, accused of a series of family violence, drug, and burglary offences, have been involved in a physical altercation with a news cameraman outside a Perth courthouse. The incident occurred as entrepreneur Laurence Emmanuel Escalante departed following a hearing where his bail conditions were significantly varied.
Allegations and Court Proceedings
The 44-year-old founder of Virtual Gaming Worlds, a company operating virtual slot machines, poker games, and online casinos, is alleged to have assaulted a woman at her Perth residence on Australia Day, January 26. Police claim Escalante unlawfully entered the home of the woman, who was known to him, and committed an assault. Additional charges include stealing property from the residence and causing damage. Further allegations relate to a pattern of family violence incidents occurring between June 2025 and January.
Expanded Charges and Drug Allegations
Initially facing eight charges—including assault, burglary, persistent family violence, and possession of cocaine with intent to sell or supply—Escalante now confronts a total of 16 charges. Updated court documents revealed a slew of fresh counts not mentioned in open court on Thursday. These comprise six counts of unlawfully possessing a controlled or prescription drug and two counts of possessing a prohibited drug.
The case intensified after police executed a search warrant at a property on January 29, where they allegedly discovered a trafficable quantity of illicit drugs.
Courtroom Developments and Bail Variations
During the hearing at Perth Magistrates Court, Escalante's bail conditions were amended. Initially, he was prohibited from coming within 500 metres of any international point of departure. This was relaxed to a condition that he cannot enter a building serving as a departure point, allowing him to drive past locations such as the Port of Fremantle. Additionally, his reporting requirements to police were reduced from three days a week to just one.
A suppression order was also updated, now prohibiting the publication of either Escalante's or the alleged victim's home address. The order banning media from identifying the alleged victim was amended as part of the proceedings.
Corporate Fallout and Leadership Changes
In response to the escalating legal situation, Laurence Escalante stepped down from his roles as chief executive and chairman of Virtual Gaming Worlds on January 30. A company press release stated he would take a leave of absence. Several days later, Mats Johnson was appointed as the acting chief executive to steer the company during this turbulent period.
Media Scuffle Outside Court
As Escalante exited the courthouse, a tense scene unfolded with the waiting media pack. One of his security minders, carrying an umbrella, shoved past an ABC cameraman who was pinned against a wall, dislodging the journalist's glasses from his face. This action sparked a short but heated altercation between the pair.
Throughout the commotion, Escalante remained tight-lipped and composed. He was calmly shepherded by his security team through the throng of reporters to a waiting Land Rover Defender, ignoring a flurry of questions about how he was dealing with the prospect of losing his empire if convicted.
Financial Stature and Future Court Date
According to the Australian Financial Review's most recent Rich List, Laurence Escalante is worth an estimated $4.5 billion, underscoring the high-profile nature of this case. The tech billionaire is scheduled to return to court on June 18 for further proceedings, where the expanded list of charges will be addressed in greater detail.
