Arrested promoter Andrew McManus speaks out, has passport returned

Having been arrested by Police in early September, concert promoter Andrew McManus’ representatives have issued a statement saying he will “strenuously defend the charges that have been brought against him” and have refuted recent reports about the circumstances of the arrest, stating that the “police have not alleged that Mr McManus has been involved in any drug syndicate, drug importation or money laundering.”

McManus of One World Entertainment, was one of five people arrested in Australia and the United States, following an investigation which began after the discovery of $702,000 cash in a suitcase at Sydney’s Hilton Hotel.

His arrest occurred as part of an international investigation by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the NSW Organised Crime Squad and the Australian Crime Commission.

In court as of 14th October, McManus vowed that Def Leppard’s Australian tour next month will go ahead.

According to Fairfax, McManus has 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.

At the end of September he had his bail conditions varied to allow him to accompany the American band KISS during its New Zealand, even after police argued he was a flight risk.

According to police documents tendered at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, McManus's claims to police were made "with the intention of gaining a financial advantage by deception".

McManus was arrested along with his then lawyer Michael Croke, convicted drug trafficker Craig Haeusler, Auburn pastry shop owner Zeki Atilgan and US businessman Owen Hanson Junior - who was also arrested recently in San Diego on drug trafficking charges.

McManus’ representatives say “Mr McManus has been cooperative with the police at all times in relation to this matter,” adding “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.”

One World Entertainment has promoted KISS’ current Australasian tour, as well as forthcoming Def Leopard and and Live tours.

According to the statement, the Def Leppard and Live tour is “not in jeopardy’ and will go ahead as planned in November.

In comments reportedly made by McManus to the NSW Police about the $702,000, he stated “it's not the proceeds of crime, it's the proceeds of Andrew McManus," claiming the seized money was "my 700 large".

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.

11th September 2015 - CONCERT PROMOTER ANDREW MCMANUS ARRESTED FOLLOWING FBI STING