https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/18-months-and-counting-on-key-anti-money-laundering-cullen-inquiry-recommendations

Nearly 18 months after the Cullen commission made two key recommendations, one to create a special investigation unit and the other to create an independent commissioner, neither has been implemented.

Austin Cullen, a B.C. Supreme Court Justice who headed the three-year inquiry, recommended creating a new money laundering intelligence and investigation unit because the federal government was failing to carry out its mandate to investigate money laundering. A 2019 B.C. government-commissioned report on money laundering in real estate in B.C. made a similar recommendation.

The second key recommendation from Cullen was to create an independent office of the B.C. legislature for an anti-money-laundering commissioner to track implementation of the more than 100 recommendations and results of changes. The office would report out publicly each year and could also provide advice. Cullen recommended the anti-money-laundering commissioner because he was concerned that complex, cross-government efforts would stall over time without permanent oversight.

In a written response to Postmedia News’ questions, B.C. Finance Minister Katrine Conroy didn’t answer whether the two key recommendations will be implemented.

The ministry also didn’t answer questions on other specific recommendations from earlier reports, including whether a new independent regulator for gaming, to be called the independent gambling control office, has been fully implemented.

Conroy said an interim report will be released in 2024 on progress of the Cullen commission recommendations. She didn’t provide a specific date.

“Work is currently underway on recommendations from the Cullen Commission Inquiry into money laundering in British Columbia, and we’re working to ensure implementation is as effective as possible,” said Conroy.