Nick Chan denied bail as suspected FOB gang leader says he can't afford lawyer

The man accused of ordering gang killings in Calgary during a bloody war that left at least 25 dead was denied bail on Monday and might asktaxpayers to foot the bill for his lawyer.

Nick Chan the alleged leader of the FOB gang must continue to live at the Calgary Remand Centre pending his first-degree murder trial, Court of Queen's Bench Justice Richard Neufeld ordered after hearing arguments from prosecutor Steven Johnston and defence lawyer Richard Cairns.

Despite testimony earlier this year that at one time Chan was paying out $10,000 rewards to FOB Fresh Off the Boatgangsters for killing members of the rival group,Chan is now without a lawyer and is considering making an application for the government to foot the bill if his Legal Aid application is rejected.

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The evidence presented at the bail hearing is protected by a publication ban.

Chan made money as the leader of a drug enterprise that saw him dealing drugs by the kilogram, operating a bawdy house and running a mahjong club, according to unproven details from court documents.

Until now, Chan has been paying out-of-pocket for Cairns, a senior defence lawyer who has handled several high-profile gang-related cases, including representing members of the Hells Angels.

At the height of his reign, documents allege that some of the drug-dealing divisions under Chan consisted of 20 to 30 members who would each pay monthly dues to Chan tobe used for lawyers, drug house rentals and to compensate members for attacking enemies.

Chan was a key figure arrested in July 2013, as part of the Calgary Police Service's largest gang investigation ever, which wasdubbed Operation Desino.

Next murder trial starts in September

Chan faced charges including murder for his suspected positionas the murderous gang's leader.

In March, a jury acquitted Chan of first-degree murder for his alleged role ordering the Bolsa Restaurant triple murder.

Chan still faces one more trial on charges ofmurder, conspiracy to commit murder and instructing a criminal organization in relation to the death of KevinAnayain anothergang-related killing.

Desino involved granting several confessed killers immunity or partial immunity in exchange for their testimony against Chan.

His brother, Tim Chan remains at large and is believed to have left the country.

Chan's second murder trial begins in September 2017.