An individual has pleaded guilty in connection with an extensive probe into illicit gambling activities, as announced by law enforcement officials.
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. (CFSEU-BC) disclosed that an inquiry was initiated into the operations of Big Shots Café, situated on Hastings Street East near MacDonald Avenue in Burnaby, at the beginning of 2022.
In March 2025, charges were formally filed against Francisco Batista Pires, 62, and Angelo Giuseppe Freda, 60.
Subsequently, on Jan. 7, 2026, Pires, a Vancouver resident, attended court and admitted guilt to one charge of offering gaming services without the required registration as a gaming worker. He was imposed a $10,000 penalty along with a victim fine surcharge of $1,500.
The CFSEU-BC emphasized that the investigation aims to disrupt criminal syndicates that benefit from unlawful gaming practices.
Sgt. Sarbjit Sangha highlighted the risks posed by illegal gaming establishments, citing their connections to organized crime and money laundering, which threaten public safety and community welfare.