Winnipeg man arrested in months-long money laundering investigation: RCMP
CTV
Mounties allege a Winnipeg man trafficked drugs into remote First Nations communities and attempted to launder the 'significant' proceeds through casino games in the city.
Mounties allege a Winnipeg man trafficked drugs into remote First Nations communities and attempted to launder the 'significant' proceeds through casino games in the city.
The investigation dubbed Project Doom was launched a year ago when Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries contacted Manitoba RCMP about suspicious activity in Winnipeg casinos.
According to RCMP, the investigation determined an individual was supplying illicit drugs to remote First Nations communities, taking the money and laundering it through casino games.
Tara Seel, a media relations officer with the Manitoba RCMP, said the man was essentially bringing large amounts of cash into casinos, exchanging them for casino chips, and then cashing the chips out in an attempt to hide any connection to criminal activity.
While she couldn't say the exact amount believed to have been laundered, she said it was significant.
On Sept. 19, Mounties arrested 30-year-old Mohammad Riyadul Hoque of Winnipeg, charging him with trafficking fentanyl, trafficking cocaine, money laundering, and possession of proceeds of crime.
The following day, Hoque was released on a $50,000 bail along with several conditions including a strict curfew, and orders prohibiting him from attending any casino, racetrack or bar with VLTs.
