Canada denies report linking Stanley Ho to crime ring

The Canadian government has denied that it has a report linking Macau gambling mogul Stanley Ho to a Hong Kong criminal syndicate dealing in illegal drugs.

The supposed report, written by Brian McAdam, who is said to be a former Canadian immigration agent working for intelligence services of his government, was made public by Alejandro Melchor III, head of the crime watchdog United Pasig Against Crime.

"Canada has never seen the report of a certain Brian McAdam and therefore can confirm that it is not a Canadian Government report," said Yves Beaulieu, second secretary and vice consul of Canada, in a statement faxed to reporters and the House committee on public order and security.

The embassy official added that McAdam "is not an employee of the Government of Canada."

On the basis of Melchor's revelation, the public order committee, chaired by Rep. Roilo Golez (LAMP, Parañaque), has launched an investigation into Ho's alleged drug links.

Denying the allegations, Ho has called the inquiry an "insult" and has rejected the committee's request for him to personally explain his side before it in a hearing.

Golez has written the regional headquarters of the International Police (Interpol) in Singapore for any derogatory information on the Macau gambling king, but that he has so far received no reply.

The transnational crime center of the Philippine National Police has told the Golez committee that it has no report on Ho.

Earlier, PNP chief Deputy Director General Panfilo Lacson labeled the supposed Canadian intelligence report revealed by Melchor as a fake.

"The report is fraudulent," Lacson said. He added that the PNP made inquiries from Interpol, which has nothing derogatory on Ho.

The gambling tycoon is chairman of Best World Resources Corp. and has other investments here.

BW is the controversial Bingo On-Line franchisee that is being investigated for alleged stock manipulation. Its principal owner is Dante Tan, who, according to a Philippine Stock Exchange report, was behind the stock fraud. Tan has denied the accusation.