Dozens expected to testify when B.C.’s long-demanded dirty money inquiry begins in February An inquiry into money laundering, largely blamed for driving up housing prices across the province, formally starts next month.

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — An inquiry into money laundering, largely blamed for driving up housing prices across the province, formally starts next month.

Three rounds of hearings are set to be held by the end of this year.

Opening statements from key stakeholders including the BC Lottery Corporation and various levels of government will be heard for one week starting Feb. 24.


Commission Counsel Brock Martland says hearings slated to start May 25 take a deeper look at the extent of dirty money activity.

“Really, that’s a chance for us to hear from people who have involvement in these issues and expertise and useful perspectives for our work.”

He says the last round of hearings, running from Sept. 8 to Dec. 22, will address ‘specific issues’ including gaming, casinos, horse racing, real estate, luxury goods, banks and cryptocurrency.

“Somewhat of a blend of trial testimony and more of a round table discussion.”

The nearly year-long process is delving into why criminals have been able to funnel billions of dollars into various parts of the economy.


Martland confirms dozens of witnesses will be called to explain why criminal behaviour went un-checked for several years.

“Our sense of it is that, for many of the topics that we’re studying, they’re complicated, they’re sometimes fairly involved history, the things that have gone on, so it’ll be quite a long list of witnesses.”

He tells NEWS 1130 every hearing will be live-streamed online.

“Most people won’t be able to actually get to the hearing room, but if they’re interested in following what we’re doing, they’d be able to watch through the web.”

As for how much the inquiry is expected to cost B.C. taxpayers, he says the budget hasn’t been finalized yet.


“It’ll be a significant number. It’s a significant undertaking that we’ve set off on.”

Even though hearings before BC Supreme Court Justice Austin Cullen could last until Dec. 22, Martland says an interim report should still be delivered, as promised, by Nov. 15.

“It’ll be more preliminary in nature and I expect there’ll be some very useful things that we can describe in that report, even though we haven’t yet heard all of the evidence.”

The commissioner’s final recommendations are due in May of next year.