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Jun 16, 2022 12:28 AM - The Canadian Press
The long-awaited report into money laundering in BC is highly critical of the RCMP and the former Liberal government for letting the crime grow but says there is no evidence of corruption.
The report released today by former BC Supreme Court justice Austin Cullen says the RCMP allowed growth in money-laundering to continue unchecked since 2012 due to a lack of attention.
It also say the Liberals including former premier Christy Clark knew suspicious cash was circulating in Vancouver-area casinos but failed to do enough to stop it.
Cullen says money laundering has been left largely ignored for too long by governments, regulatory bodies and law enforcement and it's time for that to change.
David Eby reacts on observations
Attorney General David Eby says the findings of the inquiry into money laundering in BC validate the worries of many residents of the province.
Eby says he is profoundly concerned by the conclusion that the volume of money laundering in BC is 'enormous' and is connected to violent crime and the illicit and poisoned drug trade.
Former BC Supreme Court justice Austin Cullen makes 101 recommendations in his final report, including a call for the province to set up an independent commissioner to focus on anti-money laundering efforts.
Eby says the N-D-P government will evaluate the new recommendations and co-ordinate them with measures already in the works, particularly in relation to housing and real estate.
