Money laundering inquiry would soon launch revealing more about the lax regulations allowing dirty money flow through British Columbia, but right now, it is time for the preliminary hearings. Fred Pinnock, former Head of the British Columbia Integrated Illegal Gaming Enforcement Team, and James Lightbody, Chief Executive Officer of British Columbia Lottery Corporation could soon receive standing in the extensive inquiry.
Whistleblowers provide crucial information that could change the direction of the investigation and lead to the core issue in question. Mr. Pinnock was the individual who revealed information in regard to the money laundering status quo in British Columbia last summer. July 2018 saw him become a whistleblower, claiming that the regional Liberal Party knew well about British Columbia’s casino venues and the way they facilitate money laundering by VIP patrons.
Cullen Commission Seeks More
Such allegations were able to draw attention to the issue at hand, especially when further enhanced by the revelations of former RCMP Deputy Commissioner Peter German. His report on money laundering called Dirty Money shed light on the concerning issue of casino laundromats and all possibilities they offer criminals. Now it is time for the individuals and organizations approved for the inquiry to prove a point.
Many of the approved participants were content with sending a legal counsel to represent them before the Cullen Commission keeping a close eye on the process. Mr. Pinnock demanded that he receives a standing and speaks openly and frankly about everything he knows on the subject. During the hearing, he said that he was available for conversation at all times. Mr. Pinnock was among the individuals that could receive a participant’s status granting them more permissions.
For the time being, they have not been publicly issued, but projections are that if approved, said leading figures would have the power to request related documents, as well as cross-examine witnesses on the subject. Mr. Pinnock’s lawyer, Paul Jaffes, said that the very existence of this inquiry is because of his client’s public position on money laundering.
Vancouver Sees First Public Meeting
Commissioner Austin Cullen would now have to consider the applications for standing filed by Mr. Pinnock and James Lightbody, Chief Executive Officer of British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Lawyer Jaffe said that Mr. Pinnock was determined to see a change, which is why he retired earlier than planned in 2008 and became a whistleblower. A year later the British Columbia Government made a decision to eliminate the Integrated Illegal Gambling Enforcement Team.
Rich Coleman occupied the position of the minister of gambling in British Columbia at the time. The lawyer also stated that Mr. Pinnock does not have a personal interest to protect, but he could offer useful insights into the fields most affected by money laundering. This would be essential help, as British Columbia Lottery Corporation finds it hard to reveal information even under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Moreover, Lawyer David Butcher said Friday that Brad Desmarais, Vice President of Casino and Community Gaming at BCLC should also receive standing, due to his extensive experience and the insights he has. Commissioner Cullen would issue his decision in the foreseeable future. In the meantime, October 23 would see the first public meeting in Vancouver’s Fairmont Hotel inviting locals for a conversation.
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