Among those implicated in the so-called Panama Papers, the world’s largest document leak, is the Belgian creator and director of the House of Dancing Water at City of Dreams Macau, Franco Dragone, who has been indicted by Belgian authorities for tax evasion and money laundering in connection with funding the highly acclaimed show. Also known for his work on Cirque du Soleil, Dragone was one of many individuals revealed in the millions of confidential documents leaked from the Panama-based Mossack Fonseca law firm to the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung and shared by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and more than 100 media outlets worldwide.
The Panama Papers indicate Dragone used an offshore enterprise called Lina International to finance the House of Dancing Water show in Macau, billed as the largest aquatic production in the world. The leaks also allege Dragone used Lina International to hire choreographer Giulano Peparini. The show reportedly cost $250 million and was developed by Dragone over a 19-month period at his headquarters in La Louvière, Belgium. The 2,000-seat theater took five years to build due to construction delays.
Melco Crown Entertainment officials stated they have “no comment on market speculation” and that “Mr. Dragone and his related companies have NO involvement in the financing or funding of the show at all.”
Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance Lionel Leong said the government needs more time to research the revelations before commenting on the Panama Papers. Leong added he has “no knowledge on the involvement of any local companies in this scheme.”
