(Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Alberta RCMP to launch new money laundering teams

Dec 17, 2020 | 1:59 PM

EDMONTON, AB – RCMP forces in several provinces will soon be equipped with teams to fight high-profile money laundering and identify proceeds of crime.

The federal government is investing $98.9-million over five years to create new Integrated Money Laundering Investigative Teams (IMLIT) in B.C., Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec.

“Integrated Money Laundering Investigative Teams will help to increase the RCMP’s ability to target, investigate and disrupt professional money laundering and international money controller networks and pursue proceeds of crime investigations,” says Peter Payne, Superintendent/Director of Financial Crime, Federal Policing Criminal Operations

The RCMP is also putting money towards information management technology, secure communications, and data analytics to improve operational and investigative capacities in federal policing.

Each IMLIT may include personnel from the Canada Border Services Agency, Canada Revenue Agency, Forensic Accounting Management Group, and a federal crown prosecutor. Local police may also be called in on a case-by-case basis.

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“Investing in foundational improvements will enhance our efforts in money laundering and proceeds of crime as well as all major investigations,” says Michael Duheme, Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing.

“The RCMP and its Federal Policing program remain committed and active contributors in the domestic and international response to money laundering — we will continue to follow the money, and we are thankful for the federal government’s financial support.”

The investment from Ottawa will support approximately 60 new full-time employees, 20 of whom will work within the new IMLIT teams.

The breakdown of the $98.9-million budget is as follows:

• $19.8-million for IMLIT teams
• $63.5-million for foundational investments
• $10,1-million for operational support
• $5.5-million for internal service

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