AG says he hasn't yet been told of connection between gangsters, drug dealers suspected of laundering money at casinos

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – Two months after a review of BC’s gaming industry was launched, work continues to keep money launderers out of casinos.

We have to wait until next year for the full results, but an interim report is expected soon.

Attorney General David Eby ordered the review in September after reading a report about someone at Richmond’s River Rock Casino accepting more than $13 million worth of $20 bills in the summer of 2015.

He says he’s been talking regularly with lawyer Peter German, who’s a former senior RCMP officer and the author of Canada’s lead textbook on money laundering.

“One of the key requests I made of Mr. German was if he identified any issues as he was doing the review, he shouldn’t wait for a final report which will be coming in the new year… He should provide recommendations to me as soon as he is aware of them, so we can begin addressing this serious issue.”

Eby adds he hasn’t been told yet if any connection has been made to gangsters and drug dealers suspected of laundering money in local casinos.

“Mr. German is busily working away. He’s visiting casino service providers. He’s reviewing documents. He’s meeting with the BC Lottery Corporation and with the regulator. I’ve not had a report back from Mr. German, but I’m expecting one very soon and as soon as I do, I’ll let the public know about what he’s advising me.”

German’s final report is due at the end of March.