A woman from British Columbia has been given an 18-month prison sentence following a significant crackdown on organized crime in Canada by law enforcement. This development marks a notable achievement for the B.C. Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, which focuses on combatting organized crime and gang-related activities. It is the first time in ten years that a money laundering investigation in British Columbia has led to a conviction.
Alexandra Joie Chow, aged 35, was taken into custody in November 2021 after a two-year inquiry revealed her involvement in alleged loansharking and money laundering amounting to over $828,000. During Chow’s apprehension, authorities confiscated various assets, including three high-end vehicles, two bank drafts totaling $50,000, and over $10,000 in cash.
Chow admitted guilt in February to one charge of laundering proceeds of crime after initially facing multiple allegations, such as possessing proceeds of crime and engaging in agreements for receiving interest at criminal rates. Law enforcement confirmed that the cash and bank drafts seized during the investigation have been declared forfeited by the court.
Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha from the enforcement unit emphasized that this sentencing underscores the efficacy of intricate, cross-agency investigations in combatting illicit activities linked to organized crime, particularly illegal gaming operations.
Keyphrase: organized crime crackdown