Violent Gang Believed to Have Laundered Millions Through Illegal Gambling Biz

Nine individuals were arrested and charged with money laundering for their alleged role in running an illegal gambling operation.  The gang also engaged in drug trafficking, loan sharking, kidnappings, extortions and other violent acts.

A year-long investigation by British Columbia’s anti-gang task force culminated in overnight raids and the arrests of individuals with ties to organized crime that extended to China and other unnamed countries.

“During the investigation, it was apparent there were multiple roles filled by different people which enabled or facilitated the organization in laundering large amounts of money through casinos,” said Kevin Hackett, the RCMP assistant commissioner in charge of CFSEU, said at a news conference at RCMP “E” Division headquarters in Surrey Tuesday.

Those amounts were believed to be in the millions of dollars.

Casinos tied to the money laundering activity were only identified as being located in the Lower Mainland, though law enforcement noted that none of the nine individuals were employees of the casino businesses. 

- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com