'Extensive' investigation underway into alleged corruption at Hastings Racecourse, attorney general says

B.C.'s attorney general said an "extensive" investigation is underway after a whistleblower raised concerns about corruption inthe backstretch of the Hastings Racecourse, including allegations against an employee with the government's gaming enforcement branch an officeunder the attorney general's purview.

Thebackstretch is the area adjacent to theracetrack where the horses are stabled.

Theallegations ultimately led to a raid and several arrests at the track last week.

Seven men from Mexico were arrested by theCanada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the track on Aug. 19. All seven were ordered out of the country and were released from CBSA detention until their trips home.

Two days after the arrests, it was revealed at Immigration and Refugee Board hearings in Vancouverthat a staff member with B.C.'sGaming Policy and Enforcement Branch allegedly falsified documents to allow foreign nationals without work permits to work as groomers at the horse racingfacility.

An investigation into those allegations is underway.

In the course of Immigration and Refugee Board hearings last week, it was reported that workers paid hundreds of dollars for the licences, believing they were allowed to work.

"Part of the reason why I remain so concerned about what's being alleged [is]that there may have been a provincial employee involved in exploiting very vulnerable people," B.C. Attorney General David Eby told reporters Tuesday.

The attorney general said a whistleblowercame directly to his office with allegations inOctober 2018, long before the workers even arrived in the country and began work at the track. Eby said his office notified the gaming branch, which launched an investigation and found "concerns" about one of its own employees.

The case wasforwarded to the CBSA in January. Eby said he could not speak to why eight months lapsed until arrests were made.

Eby said theCBSA is leading all aspects of the "extensive" investigation,including potential criminal action,because the allegations involveimmigration offences.

Everyoneworking in the gaming industry in British Columbia,including racetrack operators,must register with gaming officials. Anyone working in horse racing must also obtain a licence for the specific track where they're employed.

Eby said the gaming employee in question is suspended with pay.