Dear Hon. David Eby, Q.C., Attorney General of British Columbia,

We are writing regarding the recent police reports which have been made public indicating that international drug traffickers are purportedly responsible for laundering billions of dollars each year through the real estate market in the Greater Vancouver Lower Mainland.

Specifically, the money is obtained through the sale of fentanyl – an incredibly hazardous substance that is responsible for 1,500 opioid-related deaths in British Columbia, as per the BC Coroners Service, and a minimum of 4,000 correlated illicit drug overdose deaths in Canada last year alone, according to figures reported by Health Canada. The vast majority of these deaths involve a fentanyl overdose.



A little research reveals the telltale signs of extensive profiteering and illicit nefarious actions in the area. For example, Statistics Canada reported the median income to house price ratio in much of British Columbia is in excess of 1:15.

Moreover, large developers have readily admitted that most of their clientele comes from overseas investors who allow their homes and buildings to sit empty for investment-exclusive purposes.

Perhaps most disturbingly, highly lucrative developers have reputedly donated outrageous sums of money to political campaigns. As a consequence, everyday British Columbians suffer, either directly or indirectly. For example, property prices have skyrocketed, leaving many locals with no option except to relocate.

THEREFORE:



We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the BC government support a public inquiry and create a commission to investigate and prosecute those allegedly involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and profiteering in British Columbia’s real estate economy. Moreover, we are requesting that the BC government take at least three specific actions:

Firstly, the government must conduct a public inquiry for the expressed purpose of identifying the international money launderers who have used the Lower Mainland real estate market to launder their ill-gotten gains, identify the elected officials who either directly or indirectly played a role in these illegal and harmful activities, and pinpoint the special interest groups that participated in these actions.

Secondly, a special task force must be developed to stop money laundering in the region.

Thirdly, the assets of persons who engaged in the money laundering activities should be seized and used to help those impacted by the opioid crisis and to build affordable housing.

In closing, allow us to express our gratitude for taking the time to read our petition and consider its content. We are certain you will take the appropriate next steps to ensure that these individuals are held accountable for their actions and to restore the integrity of British Columbia and its real estate market. ~ Jack Trovato

For more information, please click on the links below:

WATCH: B.C. launches second review into money laundering ~ Vancouver Sun https://www.youtube.com/embed/4hKiSEFIpHc

WATCH: How organized crime groups launder suspected drug money in B.C. real estate ~ Global News https://globalnews.ca/video/rd/1379880003602/

WATCH: Global News online journalist Sam Cooper shares details about his new investigative series looking at the link between fentanyl and organized crime operating in B.C. ~ Global News https://globalnews.ca/video/rd/1380819011599/

READ: Overdose crisis continues in B.C. with 120 deaths last month, coroner says ~ CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/overdose-crisis-continues-in-b-c-with-120-deaths-last-month-coroner-says-1.4960065

LISTEN: Jack Trovato wants a public inquiry into money laundering ~ Steele the Show - https://omny.fm/shows/steele-drex/steele-the-show-jack-trovato-wants-a-public-inquir