The ex-gambler is seeking a court order to remove his name from a list that targets money launderers, according to petition filed in B.C. Supreme Court.
A Richmond man who excluded himself from B.C. casinos said he ended up on a list for suspected money launderers, something he didn’t discover for three years, according to a case filed in B.C. Supreme Court.
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Ali Ghotaymi is seeking a court order to have his name removed from the “sourced cash conditions” list that targets suspected money launderers by refusing them a buy-in at casinos unless they disclose their source of funds.
He also wants the court to order the B.C. Lottery Commission to disclose their records and reasons for placing him on the list and to declare the collection of his personal banking information violates B.C.’s privacy laws.
Ghotaymi “has not engaged in gambling since August 2021, making his placement on the list illogical and unjustified,” his petition said.
He is also suing for an unspecified amount of damages, it said.
Ghotaymi’s case said the he voluntarily enrolled in BCLC’s self-exclusion program in August 2021, which barred him from entering casinos or engaging in gambling for three years.
About a month later, on Sept. 20, 2021, his name was placed on the money-launderers list, which he only became aware of on Nov. 20, 2024, when BCLC sent him a letter, according to the petition.
Ghotaymi was never given any notice or opportunity to respond before he was placed on the list and BCLC has refused to provide any reasons for the decision, citing security concerns, it said.
His inclusion subjects him to “strict financial reporting requirements, including demands for detailed banking information,” including account numbers and same-day receipts, according to the petition.
He “believes BCLC’s practices violate procedural unfairness and privacy rights under B.C.’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act,” it said.
None of his statements have been proven in court.
Messages left with BCLC and with Ghotaymi seeking comment weren’t returned.