Key Moments
Arrests and Investigation Launch
CFSEU-BC's JIGIT arrested a male and female and began investigating their loan-sharking and money laundering activities in August 2019.Evidence of Money Laundering
Investigators found that suspects allegedly laundered over $828,000 in Canadian cash during the probe.Execution of Search Warrants
On November 5th, 2021, multiple search warrants were executed on properties and vehicles in Richmond and Burnaby linked to the suspects.Items Seized
Seized items included score sheets, cellular phones, bank drafts totaling $50,000, $10,680 in cash, and three high-end vehicles related to the crimes.
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s (CFSEU-BC’s) Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team (JIGIT) have arrested a male and female and conducted several search warrants in relation to an investigation into loan-sharking and money laundering.
In August 2019, the CFSEU-BC’s JIGIT began an investigation into the alleged loan-sharking and money laundering activity of a male and female, related to criminal interest rates and the operation of a money service business contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA).
Over the course of the investigation evidence was gathered indicating that the suspects allegedly laundered over $828,000 in Canadian cash. The investigation progressed to the point where on November 5th, 2021 the CFSEU-BC JIGIT executed a number of search warrants on properties in Richmond and Burnaby. Search warrants were also executed on 3 vehicles associated to the investigation.
The search warrants resulted in a number of items being seized and believed to be associated with money laundering and loan-sharking. Items seized included:
- • Score sheets with client names and payment due dates;
- • Four cellular phones;
- • Two bank drafts totalling $50,000;
- • $10,680 in Canadian cash; and
- • Three high end vehicles.
A 33-year-old female from Richmond and a 49-year-old male from Vancouver were arrested and the investigation is on-going.
“CFSEU-BC continues to target all aspects of criminal activities including money laundering and loan-sharking as a part of a coordinated organized crime enforcement strategy in B.C. Illegal gaming activities undermine the integrity of our financial institutions and allow criminals to secure the proceeds of crime not just for personal benefit but to fuel additional crimes. Enforcement action such as this one has a strong immediate impact and long-term disruption implications.” says Inspector Mandeep Mooker, Investigations Officer of the CFSEU-BC’s JIGIT.
CFSEU-BC’s JIGIT enters into investigations adhering to its mandate as follows;
To provide a dedicated, integrated and coordinated multi -jurisdictional investigative and enforcement response to illegal gaming in BC with an emphasis on top- tier organized crime and gangs. These crimes include money laundering; corruption and infiltration; loan-sharking and predatory lending; internet gaming; video gaming machine and device distribution; offshore lottery schemes; high-limit card rooms and underground casinos; sophisticated bookmaking operations
CFSEU-BC Media Relations Officer: Sergeant Brenda Winpenny
Desk: 778-290-4677
604-838-6800
