Housing new focus in probe of money laundering

B.C. investigation set to look into transactions linked to real estate

VICTORIA — British Columbia Attorney General David Eby says terms of reference are being discussed as the province moves ahead with the second phase of its battle against money laundering.

The first phase was unveiled last week with a report from former RCMP deputy commissioner Peter German, detailing money laundering in the gaming industry.

Part 2 will focus on monetary transactions linked to the housing market, and Eby says he is working with Finance Minister Carole James to identify issues.

German says an examination of money laundering within the real estate industry must tackle problems linked to development and mortgages, as well as the sale of commercial and residential properties.

He predicts the second phase will be a “larger beast to tackle,” because he says real estate drives the economy in B.C., while gaming has had less of an overall impact.

German will also author the second report but says his investigation has just begun and there’s no word on a timeline for completion.

Phase 1 of German’s work, a 247-page report that identified blatant examples of money laundering in Metro Vancouver casinos, makes 48 recommendations and seeks sweeping reforms.

Those include appointment of an independent regulator overseeing the casino industry and creation of a specialized, around-the-clock police force to battle money laundering.

German found at least $100 million has been laundered through casinos but admits the total could be much higher, although, without a forensic audit, he can’t provide an estimate.