Whistleblower alerted ministry to wrongdoing at B.C. racetrack

VANCOUVER — Attorney General David Eby says an investigation by Canada Border Services Agency that resulted in the arrest of seven foreign workers at a horse racetrack in Vancouver last week was sparked by a whistleblower who contacted his office.

Eby told a news conference Tuesday that a person reached out to his office last October with concerns that included allegations of people working without permits.

He asked the province’s gaming policy and enforcement branch to investigate, which found the complaint had merit. It also identified concerns relating to at least one gaming worker, he said. Eby said that inspector has been suspended with pay while the investigation continues.

The CBSA took charge of the investigation after potential immigration issues were identified, he said, adding the agency is also investigating criminal allegations.

“Any time there’s an immigration related offence that may have other aspects to it, which include criminal offence — fraud for example or breach of trust, which are some of the allegations we’re hearing here — then the Canada Border Services Agency will take over that investigation and they will take over the criminal investigation as well,” Eby said.

The CBSA says seven people were arrested Aug. 19 after border officials conducted on-site interviews and identified them as “inadmissible,” following allegations that they were working without authorization. It would be inappropriate for the CBSA to provide any further details as the investigation is ongoing, it said.

Eby said the allegation that a provincial employee was involved in exploiting “very vulnerable people” by accepting a benefit in order to commit fraud is concerning.