Latest set of testimony has been given at the Cullen Commission this week. As former RCMP officer and author of two money laundering reports Peter German has shared his side of the story after working with British Columbia’s Attorney-General David Eby. Mr. German denied the allegations that his reports were written with directions from Attorney-General Eby.
Mr. German had more than 30 years of experience with the RCMP and then retired in 2012 when he became the second-highest post of deputy commissioner. He was later hired by the Attorney-General in 2017 as a consultant and has compiled two reports on the money washing issue in British Columbia.
Independent Work
In the first of the two days testimony, the former RCMP officer was interrogated by the commission’s counsel. Mr. German was asked whether he was hired to push a particular narrative and if his writings have been influenced by political figures. In response to that the consultant the claim, and clarified that his work was independent, and everything he wrote in the reports was his own view and understandings.
Mr. German has also denied that his reports were aiming towards stalling and delaying the improvement of anti-money laundering measures for political reasons. According to him, it is natural that such reports are the subject of huge media speculation as lots of things were unfolding at the time. But he insisted that he was not aware of the political agenda and was never given directions on how to write the reports.
Additionally, he responded to the allegations of lack of communications with BCLC’s operatives. Mr. German denied the claims and stated that he had spoken to 160 individuals which are even listed in the reports. His reports were considered somewhat controversial as there have been some errors in them such as misrepresentation of what has occurred in the casinos, and the use of anecdotal evidence rather than actual data.
William Smart a lawyer for the Crown corporation stated the Mr. German’s allegations that the Crown did not do enough to tackle the money laundering issue was false. Mr. Smart provided evidence that since 2010 the Crown had been urging the RCMP and the Enforcement Branch to take action against the issue and investigate.
Extension Granted
Previous news regarding the Cullen Commission and its inquiry into money laundering activities in the B.C casinos have shown that the commission has received an extension for its investigations. Lead by Commissioner Austin Cullen the inquiry will now have time to compile its final report on the matter by December 15, 2021, as over the last few months it endured rescheduling and other obstacles.
More Testimony
The commission most recently announced that there will be another set of testimonies by the end of April. Former Premier Christy Clark is one of the newly scheduled witnesses that will share her side of the story this month. Along with her, former B.C. Liberal cabinet ministers Rich Coleman, Michael de Jong, Kash Heed, and the party’s provisional leader Shirley Bond will also take part. And last but not least Attorney-General Eby will also testify.
Source: Mulgrew, Ian “Ian Mulgrew: Peter German defends independence, integrity at money laundering inquiry”, Vancouver Sun, April 12, 2021
