Owners of shuttered Vancouver pot shop deny allegations of criminal activity

A man linked to an unlicensed Downtown Eastside cannabis store has denied allegations levelled by the B.C. government that he and his wife used proceeds of crime to buy millions in real estate.

David Bauman recently filed a statement of defence in the lawsuit launched by the director of civil forfeiture last fall against him, his wife, Shannon, and the Real Compassion Society.

In his response, Bauman said all of the almost $15 million worth properties listed in the director’s statement of claim were “purchased and maintained with entirely legitimate funds.”

He also denied that any of the real estate purchased had “been used to engage in unlawful activity.”

The Baumans “did not participate in, authorize or have knowledge of any of the unlawful activity alleged in the notice of civil claim, in the event any such activity occurred, which is not admitted, but is specifically denied,” his statement filed Jan. 16 in B.C. Supreme Court said.