The AUD$3 billion (US$2.3 billion) casino, apartment and hotel mega-project in Australia’s Gold Coast has been put into spotlight for its alleged links to the Chinese government.

After a thorough legwork and research, The Australian found that the Sydney-based, ASF Group, which is behind a consortium tasked to build the multi-billion dollar construction project on the Gold Coast is backed by Chinese-based interests.

What makes it interesting, according to the news report, was the fact that these Chinese-based interests that hold the vast majority of shares in ASF has links to the Chinese government.

The report added that “there could be a backlash if it emerges the anti-gambling Chinese government is the key proponent of the project” since “China is detaining without charge three Australian Crown employees on suspicion of gambling.”