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These were the only criminal charges related to the RCMP’s E-Pirate investigation, where the Mounties allege they uncovered more than $500 million from a Richmond money-laundering service they said handled up to $1.5 million a day.

Just before the stay of charges, a five-week trial had been scheduled for Qin, Zhu and Silver International stretching from January to April in 2019.

On Tuesday, federal prosecutors and police would not say explicitly why the charges were stayed.

RCMP national headquarters spokeswoman Staff Sgt. Tania Vaughan said in a written statement the charges were stayed for several reasons that materialized during the course of the file, the nature of which will not be discussed in any detail given operational sensitivities.

“We have no further comment at this time,” Vaughan said from Ottawa.

“The RCMP, in collaboration with its partners, remains committed to combating money laundering and financial crime,” she added.

In a written statement, Public Prosecution Service of Canada spokeswoman Nathalie Houle said the charges did not meet its prosecution test, which stipulate there be a reasonable prospect of conviction on evidence likely to be available at trial and it would best serve the public interest.

In response to the stayed charges, Matt Nathanson, a lawyer for Silver International, said: “I have no comment on these matters.”

Money laundering and its effects on the B.C. economy — including in thereal estate market — have been a heated issue of public concern in the province.