Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Langley-East MLA Megan Dykeman

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Cracking down on those who profit from crime

Apr 5, 2023 | 10:32 AM

TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE RECRUITED into organized crime with dreams of exotic cars, opulent homes and a glamourous lifestyle. That’s why our government is taking steps to remove the incentive to commit crime, by equipping law enforcement with more of the tools they need to seize the proceeds of crime and make gang life unprofitable.

Last week, our government introduced unexplained wealth orders as part of amendments to the Civil Forfeiture Act. Unexplained wealth orders will be a key tool in our toolbox to combat organized crime. They are a powerful way for government to pierce common money laundering techniques and remove the benefits people see in being involved in organized crime.

Unexplained wealth orders are court orders that simply require a person to explain how they acquired funds or property and how they afford to maintain it. If the items were acquired with the proceeds of crime, or used in a crime, then the court may order forfeiture of property. This means the property is seized, and the money generated goes back into programs that help keep our communities safe and support victims and their families.

Unexplained wealth orders send a strong message that gang and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated in British Columbia, and that people who are involved in or profit from it will be held accountable.

We know that fast cars and luxury items can make gang life alluring, especially to vulnerable young people. By seizing those items that were acquired through illegal means, we can help remind people that crime does not pay, and the gang lifestyle is not a rewarding one.

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Targeting organized crime in B.C. also helps us target those responsible for bringing deadly toxic drugs into our province. While we are continuing to build a robust system of mental health and addictions care, stopping the flow of toxic drugs that come into the province is a key part of our work to save lives.

Nobody should be able to profit from illegal activity in B.C. Making these crimes unprofitable and unappealing is one more tool that we can use to crack down on organized crime, money laundering and drug trafficking, and make our communities safer places for people to live, work and play.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.