West Australian tech billionaire Laurence Escalante appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday, facing serious charges including family violence and drug-related offences. The 44-year-old, known for his ownership of the Virtual Gaming Worlds empire, is accused of assaulting his 24-year-old ex-partner, among other allegations.
Escalante, who operates a network of casino-style online games in the United States, faces eight charges in total. These include persistently engaging in family violence, criminal damage, stealing, aggravated home burglary, unlawful assault, and possession of cocaine and MDMA with intent to sell or supply.
Details of the Allegations
Police prosecutors detailed that Escalante was arrested at his Perth home following an incident on Monday evening with his former partner. The woman, who had been in a relationship with Escalante for 12 months before it ended in December, reported being woken by missed calls and “angry” messages from him.
According to the allegations, Escalante forcibly entered her home and struck her “in the face with a closed fist.” After the alleged assault, he reportedly locked himself in a bedroom and stole jewellery worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, including a Cartier watch and bracelets.
“He then allegedly arrived at her home and forced his way into her bedroom before allegedly striking her ‘in the face with a closed fist’.”
Pattern of Alleged Abuse
The court heard additional allegations of past assaults during their relationship, including incidents in Mykonos, Singapore, and Bali. In July 2025, Escalante allegedly punched the victim while they were in a car, and when she sought help from the driver, her request was ignored.
Prosecutors described a pattern of “coercive, violent, and controlling behaviour” by Escalante. The victim claimed she received medical treatment for her injuries in Paris after one such incident.
Legal and Personal Implications
Escalante, represented by a team of lawyers, requested that the details of his charges be suppressed due to a perceived threat to his safety from organized crime gangs. However, the court denied this request. He was granted bail with strict conditions, including reporting to authorities three times a week and posting a $100,000 surety.
During a search of Escalante’s home, police reportedly found 30 grams of cocaine, 18 grams of methamphetamine, and 12.2 grams of ketamine. Despite these serious allegations, Escalante plans to contest the charges.
“The 44-year-old was granted bail with strict conditions to report three times a week and had to front up a surety of $100,000.”
Business and Financial Background
Escalante ranked 35th on the Australian Financial Review Rich List last year, with a net worth of $4.5 billion, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. His company, VGW, recently announced a “multi-year partnership” with US wrestling giant WWE, aiming to provide entertainment experiences across multiple platforms.
This high-profile case has attracted significant media attention, given Escalante’s prominent position in the tech and gaming industries. The outcome of the legal proceedings could have far-reaching implications for his business ventures and personal reputation.
Looking Ahead
The case against Laurence Escalante is set to continue, with the tech mogul’s legal team preparing to mount a defense against the charges. As the legal process unfolds, the allegations have already cast a shadow over his professional achievements and personal life.
Observers and stakeholders within the tech and gaming sectors will be closely monitoring the developments, given the potential impact on VGW’s operations and partnerships. The situation underscores the broader issues of accountability and conduct among high-profile business figures.
