The Manitoba government is directing casinos to report suspicious transactions to local and federal law enforcement to crack down on money laundering, Premier Wab Kinew and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced Monday (Feb 3).
“Drug dealers often use casinos to launder their cash and we are making it easier for law enforcement to track down people bringing toxic drugs into our communities,” said Kinew. “Fentanyl has had a devastating impact on Manitobans and people attempting to profit off it need to be held accountable.”
Casinos operated by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) will now report suspicious transaction records directly to the Winnipeg Police Service and RCMP as well as the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), a practice similar to what is being done in Ontario and British Columbia, noted the premier.
“Our government has been cracking down on drug traffickers since day one,” said Wiebe. “Today’s announcement adds another layer of protection for Manitobans against money laundering.”
MBLL will also enhance its anti-money laundering team with staff and equipment and work with FINTRAC to improve information sharing to provincial agencies, noted the minister. The Manitoba government will also invest $325,000 in surveillance equipment for MBLL.
