Attorney General David Eby has issued the following statement:

“Recent media reports of money laundering through real estate in British Columbia, including today’s Globe and Mail story, are very serious and deeply troubling. 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. 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., I hired Peter German to conduct an independent and thorough review of British Columbia’s anti-money-laundering policies and practices in relation to B.C. casinos. As part of his review, German is to explore what connection, if any, the issue has with other sectors of B.C.’s economy. This may include areas such as 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.”