Tuesday, June 13, 2017

9 arrested for laundering drug money

Nine people have been arrested after a year-long investigation that identified millions of dollars being laundered through Lower Mainland casinos, according to B.C.'s gang task force.

The probe began last May when investigators say they determined that members of a criminal organization was behind several illegal gambling houses that were helping drug traffickers launder money, as well as being involved in loan sharking, kidnapping and extortion. Investigators say the alleged crime group has links across Canada, as well as to mainland China and other countries.

Investigators are revealing very little about the operation, explaining the investigation is still underway and that they anticipate more arrests. A total of six homes have been searched so far and officers have seized cash and bank drafts, computers, cell phones, drug paraphernalia and several luxury vehicles.