B.C. woman sentenced to 18 months in prison for money laundering in milestone case

Alexandra Joie Chow, a 35-year-old woman from British Columbia, received an 18-month prison sentence for her role in a money laundering operation, marking a significant milestone in the province's ongoing battle against organized crime. Chow was arrested in November 2021 after a two-year investigation uncovered loansharking activities involving more than $828,000. During her arrest, law enforcement seized three luxury vehicles, bank drafts worth $50,000, and over $10,000 in cash. Initially charged with multiple offenses, Chow pleaded guilty to a single count of laundering proceeds of crime. The court has ordered the forfeiture of the seized assets, signaling a firm stance against financial crimes linked to organized crime.

The enforcement unit's Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha emphasized that this case demonstrates the effectiveness of complex, cross-agency investigations. Chow's sentencing is notable as it is the first money laundering conviction in British Columbia in a decade. This development may encourage further investigations into organized crime and illegal gaming in the region.