Suspects in Illegal Casino Operation in British Columbia Face Charges
Joint Investigation Leads to Multiple Arrests in Saanich
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) of British Columbia, through its Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team (JIGIT), has apprehended several individuals linked to an unlicensed gambling operation in Saanich. Their investigation uncovered numerous violations related to illegal gaming activities.
Details of the Extensive Crackdown
The investigation, described as lengthy and complex by officials, began in January 2024 after suspicions arose about the existence of an illegal gaming house in the area. Over the months, authorities gathered substantial evidence confirming the operation’s presence and management.
On August 8, 2024, a coordinated raid was carried out by JIGIT in collaboration with the CFSEU-BC Island Team, Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET), and local police departments from Saanich and Victoria. The operation resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals and the execution of multiple search warrants.
Law enforcement seized significant items related to the illegal gambling activities, including two poker tables, electronic bookkeeping devices, ledgers, gaming chips, and approximately CAD 17,000 in cash. Further searches of vehicles connected to the suspects uncovered luxury cars such as a 2024 Cadillac Lyriq, a 2020 Land Rover, and a 2014 Mercedes SL550.
Commitment to Combating Gambling-Related Crime in British Columbia
On November 21, 2025, the BC Prosecution Service formally approved charges against Bryan William Toth, 55, from Esquimalt. He faces accusations of operating an illegal gaming house, possessing illicit proceeds, and money laundering. Toth surrendered to authorities on November 26, 2025, and was granted conditional release pending his court appearance.
Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha, the media relations officer for CFSEU-BC, emphasized that this investigation underscores the agency’s firm dedication to shutting down unlawful gaming operations. He noted the frequent links between illegal gambling venues and organized crime, highlighting CFSEU-BC’s ongoing efforts to dismantle such networks and hold offenders accountable.
In a related matter, authorities recently charged a man in Toronto who was discovered to have wrongfully claimed a lottery prize intended for multiple beneficiaries.
