A guilty plea has been entered arising from an investigation conducted by the Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team (JIGIT) of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC).

In early 2022, JIGIT launched an investigation into the “Big Shots Café” after receiving information suggesting illegal gaming activities were taking place at the business, located in the 3900-block of Hastings Street East in Burnaby.

On March 10, 2025, Crown Counsel approved charges against two individuals: 62-year-old Francisco Batista Pires of Vancouver and 60-year-old Angelo Giuseppe Freda of Burnaby. Both were charged with one count each of keeping a common gaming house. Appearance notices were issued for both accused to attend court on a later date.

On January 7, 2026, Francisco Batista Pires appeared in court and entered a guilty plea to one count of providing gaming services under the Gaming Control Act without being a registered gaming worker. The court imposed a fine of $10,000, along with a victim fine surcharge of $1,500.

At the conclusion of the sentencing hearing the Crown directed a stay of proceedings in relation to the charge of keeping a common gaming house against both accused.

“Illegal gaming houses are often linked to organized crime and money laundering, creating real risks to public safety and community well-being. This investigation demonstrates CFSEU-BC’s commitment to holding offenders accountable and disrupting the criminal networks that profit from illegal gaming. We would also like to thank the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch for their assistance and collaboration throughout this investigation,” said Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha, Media Relations Officer for CFSEU-BC.