Photo: CTV

UPDATE 7:40 p.m.

British Columbia's attorney general says he's deeply troubled by reports of money laundering and criminal activity in the real estate market.

David Eby has issued a statement saying the government takes reports of money laundering through real estate very seriously.

The comments come after the Globe and Mail published a story alleging that people connected to the fentanyl trade are using B.C. real estate to clean dirty drug money.

Eby says he has already tasked former RCMP deputy commissioner Peter German with reviewing money laundering policies and practices at B.C. casinos.

Last month, German's recommendations prompted the government to announce new rules for high rollers at casinos, including a requirement that anyone spending $10,000 or more within a 24-hour period prove the source of the funds.

Eby says German will also look at whether money laundering has connections with any other sectors, including real estate or tax policy.

-with files from Canadian Press

ORIGINAL 6:31 p.m.

The NDP government sent out a press release late Friday evening from Attorney General David Eby in response to a news report.

"Recent media reports of money laundering through real estate in British Columbia, including today's Globe and Mail story, are very serious and deeply troubling. The nature of these allegations, that this money-laundering activity is actively influencing our real estate market and is connected to the sale of life-destroying fentanyl, underline the critical importance of addressing money laundering urgently and not ignoring it. This story confirms our government's commitment to taking action to crack down on money laundering and criminal activity in B.C.

"Shortly after assuming responsibility for gambling policy in B.C., I hired Peter German to conduct an independent and thorough review of British Columbia's anti-money-laundering policies and practices in relation to B.C. casinos. As part of his review, German is to explore what connection, if any, the issue has with other sectors of B.C.'s economy. This may include areas such as real estate or tax policy.

"Our government will work to determine the scope of this issue, and what must be done to appropriately address it. We will ensure our investigation into money laundering in B.C. casinos is informed by these disturbing revelations."