Two people have been charged following an investigation into an illegal gaming operation in the Lower Mainland, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s (CFSEU-BC) Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team (JIGIT) says.

The team began its investigation into an illegal gaming site in March 2023, the CFSEU says. The investigation later expanded to multiple gaming houses.

This led to the seizure of gaming tables and equipment, a number of electronic devices, around 145 kilograms of illegal tobacco, and approximately $240,000 in cash, according to the CFSEU-BC.

“This investigation highlights the scale and complexity of illegal gaming operations and the significant resources required to disrupt them,” said Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha.

“The resulting charges, seizures, and forfeitures reflect the dedication of our investigators and the strength of our partnerships.”

On Aug. 26, 54-year-old Burnaby resident Shahrouz Younesi was charged with keeping a common gaming house and the sale of unstamped tobacco products.

The same day, Xiaoyi “Karen” Zhang, 46, from Vancouver, was charged with keeping a common gaming house.

Both are scheduled to appear in court at a later date, the CFSEU-BC says.