Suspects Behind Illegal British Columbia Casino Receive Charges

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team (JIGIT) has arrested several people tied to an illegal gambling operation in Saanich. The reported unlicensed violation has led to numerous charges against the involved individuals.

The Operation Led to Over a Dozen Arrests

According to the announcement, the JIGIT just concluded a “lengthy and complex investigation into an illegal gaming operation in Saanich,” which led to multiple charges being approved by the BC Prosecution Service.

The original investigation was launched in January 2024 after the JIGIT caught wind of a suspected illegal gaming house (IGH) in the area in question. Throughout the investigation, authorities discovered “substantial evidence” of the operation’s existence and management.

On August 8, 2024, the JIGIT launched a joint crackdown alongside the CFSEU-BC Island Team, CFSEU-BC Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET), the Saanich Police Department, and the Victoria Police Department. Authorities secured multiple search warrants and ended up arresting 14 individuals.

In addition to the arrests, officials seized significant evidence of the illegal gaming operation. This includes two poker tables, several electronic bookkeeping devices, ledgers, chips and CAD 17K in cash.

Additional search warrants led to subsequent searches of vehicles. As a result, the police seized a 2024 Cadillac Lyriq, a 2020 Land Rover, and a 2014 Mercedes SL550.

British Columbia Will Not Tolerate Gambling Crime

On November 21, the BC Prosecution Service approved charges against Bryan William Toth, 55, of Esquimalt. The man was accused of keeping an IGH, possessing illicit proceeds and laundering money.

Toth turned himself in on November 26, 2025. He received a conditional release until his next appearance in court.

Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha, media relations officer of CFSEU-BC, commented on the result of the investigation and subsequent crackdowns, saying that they show authorities’ “unwavering commitment” to shutting down illegal operations.

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.

Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha, media relations officer, CFSEU-BC

In other news, a Toronto man was recently charged after authorities learned that he redeemed a lottery prize on his own behalf when, in reality, he should have been claiming it on behalf of three claimants.