Manitoba Ramps up Efforts Against Money Laundering via Casinos

The government of Manitoba, Canada, announced enhanced efforts against money laundering. The latest crackdown comes at a time when more criminals are attempting to launder ill-gained funds, such as money from the sale of Fentanyl, through casinos across the province.

However, the latest crackdown will enable Manitoba-based operators to report suspicious transactions to federal and local law enforcement agencies in a new push against financial crimes.

A Crackdown on Drug Distribution and Money Laundering

Considering the high volume of monetary transactions, brick-and-mortar venues are often targeted by criminals who may attempt to launder money through them. While that’s not a sophisticated process, breaking down large sums into smaller deposits and withdrawals may make money laundering more difficult to spot.

However, law enforcement agencies across the globe constantly monitor casino operators for potential suspicious financial transactions. In their turn, casino operators also often enforce scrutiny in an effort to protect their finances and avoid fines or license revocation.

In that line of thought, the announcement about the crackdown on money laundering came from Premier Wab Kinew and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe. The duo confirmed that the Manitoba government strengthens its efforts to combat financial crimes by enabling casinos to directly report suspicious transactions to law enforcement agencies.

In the words of Justice Minister Wiebe: “Our government has been cracking down on drug traffickers since day one.” He explained that the latest crackdown on such financial crimes represents “another layer of protection for Manitobans against money laundering.”

Premier Kinew also pointed to the role of casinos in money laundering operations. He explained that brick-and-mortar gambling venues are often targeted by drug dealers who may attempt to launder their proceeds from toxic drugs that are poisoning communities across Manitoba and Canada.

On the bright side, according to Kinew, casinos can help capture culprits who attempt to launder money from selling drugs. “Fentanyl has had a devastating impact on Manitobans and people attempting to profit off it need to be held accountable,” the Premier added.

“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.“

Premier Wab Kinew

Casinos to Benefit from an Investment and Will Closely Collaborate with Authorities

The new initiative enables casinos operated by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) to report suspected money-laundering transactions to law enforcement agencies, including the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as the Winnipeg Police Service.

Part of the efforts include an investment of the Manitoba government of $325,000 for the MBLL. Those funds would be used for surveillance and other necessary equipment that will help investigate suspicious transactions. What’s more, MBLL will expand its anti-money laundering team and closely collaborate not only with FINTRAC but with other law enforcement agencies.