Key Moments
Investigation Initiation
CFSEU-BC's JIGIT began investigating the Se7enhaus illegal gaming house in May 2017 after receiving information from the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch.Search and Seizure Operation
On February 2, 2018, JIGIT, with Vancouver Police Department assistance, executed a search warrant at a commercial property on East Hastings Street revealing illegal gaming activity.Arrest and Charges
Russell Lim, a 50-year-old male, was arrested and charged with keeping a gaming house under section 201(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.JIGIT’s Enforcement Mandate
JIGIT focuses on multi-jurisdictional investigations targeting illegal gaming linked to organized crime, involving various criminal activities including money laundering and loan sharking.The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s (CFSEU-BC’s) Joint Illegal GamingInvestigation Team (JIGIT) has concluded its investigation into an illegal gaming house called Se7enhaus with an arrest of a male and seizure of gaming products.
In May 2017, after receiving information from the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch (GPEB), the CFSEU-BC’s JIGIT began an investigation into the suspicious activity of a location in Vancouver, consistent with alleged illegal gaming. This investigation was independent of, and unrelated to, the CFSEU-BC’s JIGIT investigation announced in June 2017.
The investigation progressed to the point where on February 2, 2018, with the assistance of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), the CFSEU-BC JIGIT executed a search warrant on a commercial property in the 1200 block East Hastings Street, Vancouver.
The search of the building revealed activity, products and patrons consistent with an illegal gaming house.
A 50 year old male, Russell Lim, has been charged with one count of Keeping a Gaming or Betting House, contrary to section 201(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada and will appear in court at a later date.
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
Mobile:604-838-6800
