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Attorney General David Eby says that he finds recent reports of money laundering through real estate in B.C. “very serious and deeply troubling,” and has set out to investigate the allegations.
Eby issued a statement about the issue, referencing a Globe and Mail article that was published Friday.
In the article, investigative journalist Kathy Tomlinson says that people involved in the fentanyl trade are laundering drug money through the real estate market.
“The nature of these allegations, that this money-laundering activity is actively influencing our real estate market and is connected to the sale of life-destroying fentanyl, underlines the critical importance of addressing money laundering urgently and not ignoring it,” said Eby.
“This story confirms our government’s commitment to taking action to crack down on money laundering and criminal activity in B.C.”
Shortly after assuming responsibility for gambling policy in B.C., Eby hired a consultant to conduct an independent review of the province’s anti-money laundering policies in relation to casinos.
Eby says that as part of the review, they will explore what connection, if any, the issue has with other sectors including real estate or tax policy.
“Our government will work to determine the scope of this issue, and what must be done to appropriately address it. We will ensure our investigation into money laundering in B.C. casinos is informed by these disturbing revelations,’ Eby said.