BC Attorney General David Eby has announced an independent expert to conduct a review of anti-money-laundering policies and practices in the gambling industry, with a focus on the Lower Mainland.
Eby has asked lawyer Peter German, a former deputy commissioner of both the RCMP and Correctional Service Canada, and the author of Canada's leading anti-money-laundering law textbook, to conduct the review and make recommendations, if necessary, for reform.
A report about possible money laundering at Richmond’s River Rock casino was delivered to the former Liberal government more than a year ago, and was made public last week by the NDP government.
Eby says he has questions about whether the issue was properly addressed, and says more work needs to be done:
"Certainly if I'm responsible for the gaming file, and the Premier has been very clear with me that out government is not going to be tolerating any kinds of issues like money laundering and kind of associated criminality in or around BC's gaming industry. And the fortunate thing is I have the full support of our partners, service providers and casinos, BC Lottery Corporation and the Gaming Policy enforcement Branch. I hope this review will provide some very useful recommendations for reform."
German has been asked to make recommendations to government as he identifies them so necessary changes can be implemented before the final report is complete at the end of March.