John Peter Bell

John Peter Bell is a former Canadian diplomat. He was concurrently appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mali and Niger then to Upper Volta and to the Ivory Coast. He later became Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Brazil then the High Commissioner to Malaysia.

Macau casino investment controversy

While serving as Canada's chief federal negotiator for B.C. First Nations land claims, Bell made an investment in a Macau casino VIP room that was leased from Stanley Ho.[1] Ho has been linked to the Kung Lok Triad (Chinese mafia) and as being linked to "several illegal activities" during the period 1999–2002.[2] Ho's alleged ties to Chinese organized crime have also been reported by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, citing a U.S. Senate committee and several government agencies, when the state investigated his ties to American casino operator MGM Mirage.[3]

Bell stated he loaned US$250,000 to his cousin David Stuart Levy, who denies the loan. Levy claims to have hand delivered up to $150,000 US to Bell between 2000 and 2004. The amount in each delivery varied based on casino earnings. Their relationship deteriorated and in September 2005, Bell went to Levy’s home in West Vancouver, and emerged with a signed agreement from Levy for repayment of ‘US$250,000 invested in Macau.‘ Bell took Levy to court and was cleared of any wrongdoing. Levy countersued Bell and had his claim dismissed. ”[1]

Notes

  1. Cooper, Sam (August 13, 2018). "Senior Canadian diplomat linked to 'dangerous' Macau casino investment". Global News. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  2. "Asian Organized Crime and Terrorist Activity In Canada, 1999-2002" (PDF).
  3. Beasley, Deena (17 March 2010). "NJ says MGM has ties to Chinese criminals". Reuters. Reuters. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
  4. During Mr. Bell's mission, Upper Volta became known as Burkina-Faso in 1984.


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