B.C. Bartender Faces 22 Months for Laundering $500K in Sting

UPDATE: A Richmond, B.C. karaoke club bartender, Alexandra Joie Chow, is facing up to 22 months in prison for laundering nearly $500,000 during an undercover police sting operation. This significant case marks Chow as the first individual to be sentenced for “pure money laundering” in B.C. since the conclusion of the Cullen commission, a high-profile inquiry into the province’s money laundering issues, over three years ago.

In a provincial court hearing on October 26, 2023, prosecutor David Hainey highlighted Chow’s role in facilitating financial transactions for individuals posing as international cocaine traffickers. The situation underscores the urgent need for stringent measures against money laundering in British Columbia, a province grappling with serious illicit financial activities.

Chow’s involvement began during an investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit in November 2021. Authorities initially targeted another suspect linked to loan sharking and extortion. Surveillance led police to Chow, who was seen engaging with the suspect at the Richmond karaoke bar.

Hainey revealed chilling details during the sentencing hearing, stating, “This is someone providing a professional money laundering service.” Chow allegedly offered undercover officers bank drafts in exchange for large cash bundles, charging a 5 percent commission. Over the following months, she conducted multiple transactions involving cash amounts as high as $70,000 each.

Despite her lawyer’s plea for a conditional sentence that could allow for house arrest, Hainey argued for a prison term to reflect the seriousness of Chow’s crimes. He emphasized the importance of deterring similar criminal activity in the community, stating, “A conditional sentence does not adequately represent the condemnation of the community.”

Chow’s legal counsel, Josh Oppal, argued that his client had taken responsibility for her actions and expressed regret. “She became trapped in that,” he stated, referring to the undercover operation. Chow, who has no prior criminal record, expressed remorse in court, saying, “I’m so sorry that this happened. I just didn’t know this is that serious until that happened.”

The court heard that Chow had been under investigation for nearly two years before charges were officially filed. Police raids on her properties resulted in the seizure of various items, including bank drafts and high-end vehicles. The director of civil forfeiture in B.C. is also seeking to confiscate her 2008 Porsche Cayman as part of the proceeds of crime.

The case highlights the ongoing struggles faced by B.C. in combatting money laundering and its connection to organized crime. The Cullen commission revealed extensive issues tied to money laundering, which authorities are now seeking to address more aggressively.

Justice Richard Browning reserved his decision on the sentencing until November, leaving Chow’s fate hanging in the balance as the community awaits a ruling that could have significant implications for B.C.’s battle against money laundering.

Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.