Tech Mogul Laurence Escalante Charged with Assaulting Former Partner
Laurence Escalante, a prominent Australian tech billionaire, is facing serious legal challenges. He has been charged with assault, family violence, and drug-related offences, stemming from an incident involving his former partner. Escalante, 44, is best known as the owner of Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), a company specializing in casino-style online games in the United States.
Details of the Charges Against Laurence Escalante
Escalante appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on January 30, 2026, to respond to eight charges. These include:
- Family violence
- Criminal damage
- Stealing
- Aggravated home burglary
- Unlawful assault
- Possession of cocaine
- Possession of MDMA with intent to sell
Law enforcement indicates that the altercation occurred after a previous relationship with the 24-year-old woman ended in December. Escalante allegedly forced entry into her home after sending distressing messages, striking her in the face, and subsequently stealing valuable jewelry worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Allegations of Coercive Behavior
Prosecutors highlighted a pattern of coercive and violent behaviour throughout Escalante’s relationship with the victim. Previous incidents allegedly included physical assaults during trips to various international locations, although he is not facing charges for those events. One significant incident in July 2025, during a car journey, involved Escalante allegedly punching the victim in the face when she sought help from a driver, who ignored her pleas.
Evidence of substance possession was also found during a police search of Escalante’s residence. Authorities discovered:
- 30 grams of cocaine
- 18 grams of methamphetamine
- 12.2 grams of ketamine
Escalante’s Legal Proceedings
During the court hearing, Escalante requested suppression of the charge details for safety reasons, citing concerns about potential kidnapping and extortion due to his wealth. However, this request was denied.
Following the hearing, Escalante was granted bail under strict conditions, including weekly reporting requirements and a surety of $100,000. He has expressed intentions to contest the charges against him.
Background on Laurence Escalante’s Business Ventures
Escalante’s VGW was recently involved in a multi-year partnership with WWE. This collaboration aims to enhance premium entertainment experiences for a vast audience across the U.S. Despite these legal issues, Escalante remains a significant figure in the tech industry, boasting a net worth of $4.5 billion, as reported by the Australian Financial Review.
