A B.C. man faces charges of illegal gambling and money laundering as a result of an investigation that lasted nearly two years and uncovered an illegal gaming house on Vancouver Island.
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s (CFSEU-BC) Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team (JIGIT) said in a release that it began a lengthy investigation into a suspected illegal gambling operation in Saanich in January 2024.
Over the course of the probe, officers gathered substantial evidence confirming that multiple individuals were involved in the operation and management of the illegal establishment. Assisted by CFSEU-BC teams and Saanich and Victoria police, investigators carried out multiple search warrants in both Saanich and Victoria in August 2024, which led to the arrests of 14 people.
Police seized two poker tables, several thousand poker chips, multiple electronic devices used by alleged keepers of the gaming house, tax documentation and approximately $17,000 in cash. Three subsequent search warrants were executed on vehicles associated with the investigation, which were also seized as proceeds of crime.
As a result of the findings, the BC Prosecution Service approved criminal charges on Nov. 21 against Bryan William Toth, 55, of Esquimalt, including keeping a common gaming house, possession of proceeds of crime and money laundering. Toth turned himself into police five days later and was released on conditions until his next court appearance.
“These results demonstrate our unwavering commitment to disrupting criminal enterprises operating in British Columbia,” said CFSEU-BC Media Officer Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha. “Illegal gaming houses are often intertwined with organized crime, and this investigation sends a clear message: CFSEU-BC will continue to investigate, dismantle, and hold accountable those who profit from criminal activity.”
