B.C. government reviewing money laundering inquiry report before release, officials say

The final report from British Columbia's public inquiry into money laundering has been submitted to the government, with officials set to review the Cullen Commission's report before it's released to the public.

The New Democrat government appointed B.C. Supreme Court Justice Austin Cullen in May 2019 to lead the inquiry after several official reports concluded that hundreds of millions of dollars linked to organized crime and the drug trade had affected the province's real estate, luxury vehicle and gaming sectors.

The Cullen Commission's website says its mandate includes making findings of fact on the extent, growth and methods of money laundering in B.C. and whether the acts or omissions of regulatory agencies and individuals "contributed to money laundering in the province or amount to corruption."

Since the spring of 2020, the commission heard testimony from about 200 witnesses over 130 days, including former B.C. Premier Christy Clark, several former and current cabinet ministers, police officers, gaming officials and financial crime experts and academics.

Two senior gaming investigators testified that they raised concerns in 2009 with gaming and government officials, including cabinet ministers, about increasing amounts of cash in Vancouver-area casinos that they suspected was connected to organized crime.

B.C. Attorney General David Eby testified he appointed an independent review of money laundering at B.C. casinos after watching videos of gamblers picking up large bags, packed with $20 bills, outside casinos and bringing them inside the venues.

Eby, who will receive a copy of Cullen's report along with Finance Minister Selina Robinson and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth, says the government plans to release the report, but he didn't provide a date.

"I'm looking forward to the report," says Eby. "Commissioner Cullen and his team worked very hard on it and heard from a lot of witnesses.

"I think it will be very helpful information for British Columbians about how we got into the mess we got into and also how we turn B.C. and Vancouver into a model for fighting money laundering instead of a centre where it takes place."

In a statement, Cullen said he wanted to thank the numerous people who contributed to the report over three years.

"My final report is the culmination of three years of dedication and commitment to this important task by the Commission team," he said.

"It is a substantial report and puts forward findings of facts and recommendations that are focused on making positive changes in many areas, addressing serious issues that the people of British Columbia care about."

In total, 133 hearings were held as part of the inquiry, and 1,063 pieces of evidence were reviewed.