Richmond was the most recent location that saw a public hearing meeting welcoming individuals that have a thing or two to share on local money-laundering practices. The Cullen Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering heard detailed stories regarding the local casino field, the housing market, as well as the luxury vehicles scene. Locals were eager to have their voices heard, as they have witnessed the way money laundering has changed their community and visitors.
This particular meeting was among the most interesting ones even ahead of its start, as Richmond is often linked with allegations of money laundering and crime cash proceeds washing through various industries. River Rock Casino Richmond has been mentioned in multiple money laundering reports as a location attractive enough for Chinese high rollers ready to wash dirty cash.
Penultimate Public Meeting Reviews Richmond
Some 80 individuals were present at the Vancouver Airport Hilton Hotel where they had the opportunity to tell their stories and raise awareness of the growing money laundering crisis. This number was among the larger ones when compared to the previous public hearings held in Kelowna, Vancouver, and Victoria ever since October 23.
Austin Cullen, the Commissioner of this inquiry into money laundering pointed out that information regarding the gaming field, real estate, and the commission would appreciate local financial institutions. Every piece of information is essential at this point, as it would be introduced to the British Columbia government when the inquiry launches next year. As for the contribution of locals to the increasing amount of information collected, it was diverse.
Suzzane Jay represented the Asian Women of Equality Society during the public meeting, drawing eyes on a growing issue across Richmond. He pointed out that Asian women are a prevalent part of the local prostitution industry and the money generated by it often ends up at River Rock Casino. Gaming locations in the region allegedly offer criminals the opportunity to wash the money, giving them the nickname ‘laundromats’.
Locals Report Prostitution Cash Goes into Casinos
Locals have referred to Richmond as a ‘loophole society’ and many of the speakers at the meeting mentioned local officials’ indifference to the criminal activities enabling money laundering. Some of them, such as local realtor Lyn Terborg even went on to suggest that Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie might be displeased by the revelations happening. It was confirmed that he had left the room soon after the first speaker of the meeting finished sharing their thoughts.
This spring saw a former River Rock Casino staff member share her memories from 1997. Back then, the New Democratic Party government introduced bet limits surge to up to CA$500 per hand. This meant that players had the chance to gamble more and with a larger scope. River Rock Casino also saw new work hours continuing until late at night.
The increased number of baccarat tables made the location even more appealing for Chinese premium players and the so-called loan sharks, with the surveillance turning a blind eye to those individuals. This notion has further gained popularity thanks to Paul King Jin mentioned several times in the notorious E-Pirate probe. The loan shark was banned from B.C. casino venues but still had the chance to supposedly wash some CA$4.2 million at River Rock Casino over 2014 and 2015.
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