Following a year-long investigation, nine members of an alleged criminal organization were arrested for helping drug traffickers launder millions of dollars through illegal gambling houses in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, according to the B.C. gang task force. The criminal activity also included loan sharking, kidnapping and extortion, said Assistant Commissioner Kevin Hackett of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.
Hackett noted, “It’s safe to say that we’re looking at millions of dollars being laundered. Money laundering, loan sharking and illegal gaming provide an attractive source of income for organized crime. Clients who utilize these services need to be aware that often the cash being provided to them is from illegal activity, and that using such services provides financial support to criminals and funds their illegal enterprises and operations.”
Investigators said the alleged crime group has links across Canada, as well as mainland China and other countries.
None of the individuals who were arrested are not in police custody and no charges have been filed, Hackett said. However, he stated possible charges could include counts related to money laundering, drug trafficking, proceeds of crime and being part of a criminal organization. More arrests are anticipated, Hackett said. He declined to identify the casinos involved in the alleged money laundering and said three or four illegal gambling houses have been identified, including at least one in Richmond. He added six homes have been searched and officers have seized cash and bank drafts, computers, cell phones, drug paraphernalia and several luxury vehicles.
The investigation is being conducted by the CFSEU’s new Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team, which also includes members of the provincial government’s Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch.
