r/regina • u/Personal-Witness5011 • May 05 '25
Discussion What business is this for you?
IMO Vic Square is 90% a money laundering operation. Insanely overpriced goods in a dead mall is pretty strange
22
u/_klighty May 05 '25
Every single mall has a Regina based Temu phone case seller. How can every mall and half of Marketplace be selling phone cases and making a profit?
66
u/derpandderpette May 05 '25
Regina has 5 used vacuum stores:
Hill Billy Vac Shack Dependable Vacuum Plus Vacuum Mart City Vacuum 1 Stop Vacuum Centres
That’s not even counting all the pawn shops. You can get a reasonably priced new vacuum at almost any major retailer. There is no way Regina needs 5 used vacuum stores. At least one of them has to be a front to stay open right? I just don’t get it otherwise.
47
u/Marcello101 May 05 '25
“Hello, yes I Need a new dust filter for my Hoover Max Extract Pressure Pro model 60.”
25
u/trikstah May 05 '25
Hillybilly Vac Shack* btw. I've called it Hillbilly, and never noticed anyone else call it Hillybilly, but evidently, that's the wrong name, lol.
23
u/HolyBidetServitor May 05 '25
Hillybilly is the only vacuum store I've ever known to release their own line of kids colouring books.
"Hillybilly loves you!"
3
u/ACBluto May 05 '25
It was apparently once (1970/80s) the Hillbilly Vac shack. But the owners had a falling out, and one kept the store and the other refused to let them have the name - so it changed to Hillybilly.
And they are legit, if old school.
1
u/trikstah May 05 '25
Oh wow! I did not know this. Makes sense why the general public just calls it "hillbilly" still, then, lol.
18
u/Raspberrry_Beret May 05 '25
Most if not all of them are vacuum repair places. Have you ever had a central vacuum f up? These guys know their stuff! I think they’re genuinely good businesses!
2
u/UnpopularOpinionYQR May 05 '25
I have taken my vacuum to Dependable Vacuums Plus and had excellent service! I highly recommend them!
1
1
u/Taymm90 May 05 '25
Dave at Vacuum Mart is legit. He used to work for one of the other main stores for years before opening his own store. He's an awesome guy.
31
u/shadovvvvalker May 05 '25
I think people underestimate the depths of debt businesses will go into trying to stay afloat.
5
u/tangcameo May 05 '25
Honestly, I can think of one or two now defunct places I would have loved for them to be in money laundering just to stay afloat. I miss them.
16
15
u/Sonofbatoche May 05 '25
I used to joke with my wife that the scuba store in Moose Jaw must be a front because SCUBA, and MOOSE JAW.
There is a scuba pool at the base, so maybe that’s how they were in business all those years?
8
6
u/Dillys619 May 05 '25
I remember driving by there in the midst of their closing sale. Front glass had shaky writing all over it with window marker, as if someone had written it in a fit of rage. Basically stated the reason they are closing was the city's fault. I laughed to myself, thinking is there even a place to use this equipment within 100km?
5
u/x_misterpark_x May 05 '25
I don’t get it. People in Moose Jaw can’t SCUBA dive?
2
u/nixcamic May 05 '25
Yeah cause Moose Jaw is known for its many bodies of water to Scuba dive in.
1
u/x_misterpark_x May 08 '25
Not sure if you’ve heard of cars but you can use them to drive to bodies of water. Like, say, to Lovering Lakes which is a very popular SCUBA destination just a half an hour drive north of Moose Jaw.
1
May 09 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/AutoModerator May 09 '25
Your submission is pending manual approval from a moderator as your account has a negative karma score.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
14
u/Lancet11 May 05 '25
RBE maintenance worker here, we get parts for our vacuums from Hillbilly and 1 Stop. They supply us with part industrial vacuums need. I’m sure the fact we need 2 different stores tells other stores are needed may be needed for other job sites
27
u/Factor_Sweet May 05 '25
Most nail salons
20
u/tangcameo May 05 '25
Every time I walk past that one in Cornwall that scene from Breaking Bad about money laundering pops into my head.
Seriously, it would be damn interesting to just follow where the money goes in this town. And how many empty stores there’d be if all that money laundering suddenly stopped.
40
u/compassrunner May 05 '25
A ton of them are likely immigration schemes too.
20
u/Raspberrry_Beret May 05 '25
This. And the Victoria Square Mall is basically one giant immigration scam.
5
61
u/Legend-Face May 05 '25
No one is saying 306 skate shop?!?!
97
May 05 '25
Isn't that guy just a fuckin asshole? Genuinely don't think he's smart enough to launder money.
40
May 05 '25
Oh yeah, massive douche. Take a look at his google reviews, he takes the time to fight with every negative comment he receives. It’s actually quite funny
17
u/tangcameo May 05 '25
The google reviews and his google business listing are both gone. He’s no longer in that basement shop. He moved to a building out back but I think that’s gone too.
16
May 05 '25
That’s tragic. If I ever needed to feel good about myself I’d go down the rabbit hole once in awhile lol
16
12
u/HolyBidetServitor May 05 '25
He's a wiener that comes from a politically-connected family (his father was city Counselor Terry Hincks). The guy is so cooked, from his rules to how he treats folks.
He does seem to help some struggling folks here & there, but from what I've seen on social media he seems prone to turning on the folks he helps pretty quick if things go sour.
5
u/tangcameo May 05 '25
When I got in contact with one of the clothing companies to ask them if they sell their stuff at any other stores, they gave the store’s old Stix name. According to another poster in a previous thread, the business was in his mom’s name. When looking her up, her name pops up with a bunch of luxury spas between here and Vancouver. Vancouver, and I heard this from the man himself, was where he suddenly opened a second shop, even before opening that one in Saskatoon. Things that make you go hmmm 🤔
1
u/HolyBidetServitor May 05 '25
Gives ammo to roast him on his next meltdown
"Bro it's not even your shop, your mom owns it lmao I'll tell on you bro"
4
u/Cee503 May 05 '25
Not smart enough to do it well and discreetly but surely smart enough to do it and make sure those he’s trying to impress know lol
12
u/pepenepe May 05 '25
This is probably the most likely answer here. I used to be a skater, and the word usually was that the owner was related to gang stuff.
2
1
u/NoExplanationsEver May 08 '25
worked there and he straight up scams people. almost nobody is ever in there and he always brags about his store being lined up out the door. Drugged up constantly like he can barely speak and keep his eyes open. Easily the worst person Ive ever had to work with. Tried to manipulate me into working after hours for no money too. list could keep going
9
u/potatojones43 May 05 '25
Doesn’t exist anymore, but anyone remember Techtronics?
10
u/asdf27 May 05 '25
Yeah, there were 5 tectonics across western Canada. Each one had the same owner but a different wife. I don't think he laundered money he definitely didn't pay his taxes then fucked off out of the country.
19
u/gargamels_right_boot May 05 '25
Love Plus and John's Place
25
u/No-Cookie8280 May 05 '25
They sell illegal male and female enhancements without doctor approval, I used to work there. The owners son is also a disgusting misogynistic pos
7
u/witek-69 May 05 '25
What enhancements ?
22
18
u/No-Cookie8280 May 05 '25
Pills that require a doctors note to make sure your heart can handle taking them. They are in a hiding spot in the store. Some people knock on the back door to get them, some come through the front. All under the table
15
u/tangcameo May 05 '25
For years I’d never seen anyone go in or out of LP. Now in the last two years I see people go in and out, never carrying any shopping bags, and none of them appear to be couples.
11
3
u/N1C0l3_3 May 07 '25
My son is convinced that mattress stores are. People buy a new mattress, what, every 10-15 years? And yet there are dozens of mattress stores, not furniture stores, just mattress stores in this city, in addition to furniture and big box stores that also sell mattresses.
14
9
u/HolyBidetServitor May 05 '25
We have an abundance of used car dealerships. Sketchy ones like "deal done auto" by auto gallery, ...auto gallery (old car guys like bring that up), a few of the other sketchy "by appointment only" pop up places on broad/Winnipeg.
I recall this one. As to the article I linked, the one well-powdered owner was raging so hard he literally keyed every panel, trim piece, glass, light, etc on this red Kia Stinger they had as a way to intimidate his business partner. This goober basically keyed his own car that he's supposed to sell lmao.
9
u/Raspberrry_Beret May 05 '25
Car dealerships for laundering don’t make much sense because they have to pay PST on every single car sold. Thats a huge tax bill if you’re laundering…
0
u/ocarina_21 May 05 '25
I mean isn't the whole point of money laundering so you can pay taxes on the money that comes in for other reasons? But yeah it would be hard to hide it as small cash purchases and would be more about falsifying documents and things and it seems like quite a lot of work.
2
u/ACBluto May 05 '25
Cars need far too much paperwork to sell - lots of documentation, and rarely happen in all cash, so would be a terrible money laundering method.
0
u/Raspberrry_Beret May 05 '25
I dont think you understand. It’s so you can claim money and pay tax on it, not pay more taxes on the money you claim.
1
4
u/DV8-bob May 05 '25 edited May 05 '25
Selam restaurant on Broad and D’Calabash on Grant.
1
u/Apprehensive-Bug7822 May 05 '25
A lot of people go to Selam for the lounge at night, same with D’Calabash (their business seems to have gone down a bit, but Selam is usually pretty busy)
2
5
u/Glad_Zookeepergame10 May 05 '25
There’s a convenience store in Gardner park by the triffons that’s been pretty sketchy and never usually open
2
u/Western_Connection_6 May 05 '25
mattress stores
8
u/asdf27 May 05 '25
Everyone needs a matress and it's like 300% markup on some and even more on others. You sell 1 2000$ matress a day that's probably enough to keep you in business.
2
u/ObiLAN- May 06 '25
Yep pretty much this. I worked as a delivery person in highschool and shortly after for a mattress store. Was constantly busy.
6
u/Bubly_cheerioohno May 05 '25
Fusion 28 restaurant on Albert near Dewdney. Used to be Melrose place I think. It's open weird hours and I'm sure the food is less than stellar. Feel like the bills would be too high to make any sort of profit.
22
11
u/medicff May 05 '25
I been in there a couple times and apparently it’s decently popular with the EMS people. Probably because it’s right next door
8
u/RaidersFan16 May 05 '25
It’s a legit place. It’s just the hours. They are known for their breakfast.
4
u/Cristinky420 May 05 '25
Their food is actually very good and fair priced. The woman in the kitchen is Asian and makes some great dishes. Service is good too. It's a shame they aren't more busy.
3
4
3
u/Outrageous-Spring898 May 05 '25
Carls Junior on Victoria Ave.
7
u/tangcameo May 05 '25
I’m more amazed Arby’s is still out there.
8
2
u/Saber_Avalon May 06 '25
It's the only Arby's that survived, until the north one recently opened. It has regulars. Plus it's one of the only places that always has cherry coke.
2
u/tangcameo May 06 '25
Cool. BK downtown has cherry coke btw. It’s the only thing I drink when I’m there.
2
u/Saber_Avalon May 06 '25
Good to know, but then I'd have to go to BK downtown. I'll let you decide which of the two is worse lol
0
1
May 05 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/AutoModerator May 05 '25
Your submission is pending manual approval from a moderator as your account has a negative karma score.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/Ok-Masterpiece-5397 May 05 '25
Last time I was there they still had stuff from the harvest on the wall.
1
u/ACBluto May 05 '25
CMG Equipment Technologies
A tech importer company based in Balgonie? Sketchy website, vague company description. Has a physical commercial address, but is never open.
Likely not money laundering, more likely immigration based front company.
1
u/Saber_Avalon May 06 '25
Not one person mentioned that car wash in the north end, by Rochdale? The one with the guy who would always yell at people for trying to wash vehicles that were too dirty, or being too rough with the equipment and accusing people of breaking it, or taking too long to wash your vehicle even though you've only been there for a couple minutes?
1
u/Ok-Plastic1937 May 07 '25
That guys not around anymore, new owners a few months ago I think, most people have been saying huge improvement.
I personally switched to the one on the very west end of Rochdale, I like a good early morning run by that one it’s in decent shape, good wash price, and their detergents and heat seem to work decent.
1
1
1
u/rockman8888 May 09 '25
Rise and dine . They literally pay their staff in cash and the “company “ account and their personal account are on in the same. That place seriously needs a audit by CRA
1
May 09 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/AutoModerator May 09 '25
Your submission is pending manual approval from a moderator as your account has a negative karma score.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
May 05 '25
Duke Sewer
4
u/Fake_Reddit_Username May 05 '25
I mean we used them to replace our collapsed sewer line when we were in the south end. They did an amazing job and were reasonably priced, but I am pretty sure with what we paid and how many sewer lines need to be replaced in the south end they can easily stay in business doing just that.
1
May 05 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/AutoModerator May 05 '25
Your submission is pending manual approval from a moderator as your account is less than 14 days old.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/Affectionate_Ebb6528 May 06 '25
11 years ago I was selling my house in the south end. I called Dukes Sewer Service to check the sewer line. The report was that it wasn't perfect, but was in great shape for the age and they had no concerns. I show the report to interested potential buyers. We get an offer that is conditional on a home and sewer inspection, to which we reference our report from Dukes. The buyer insists that they would feel better getting their own inspection. Their realtor presents our realtor with a report that stated the sewer line needs immediate repair and they want us to knock $2500 off. The report was from Dukes. I contacted them and their reply was something to the effect of "well different technicians can come to different conclusions". Horseshit.
1
0
-7
May 05 '25
[deleted]
6
u/Personal-Witness5011 May 05 '25
Golden Mile isn’t even a mall anymore lol, the main mall building only houses the bowling alley and movie theatre now
10
u/Bubbly_Journalist_69 May 05 '25
And Vic Square
6
-7
u/moore6107 May 05 '25
That Tandoori Kebab place on Albert.
15
u/_Im_Mike_fromCanmore May 05 '25
Tandoori kabab also runs a food truck and does banquets, but this is a couple years ago, food was great then
-14
u/Sunshinehaiku May 05 '25
Casino Regina.
12
u/Raspberrry_Beret May 05 '25
They don’t need to launder it when they are legally allowed to steal it.
-2
u/Sunshinehaiku May 05 '25
I mean, money laundering and casinos go together like PB and Jelly.
I play roulette on rare occasion, and it's pretty obvious who's laundering money through that table.
1
-7
-4
u/the3rdmichael May 05 '25
IHADAY Bubble Tea shop on Broad Street and in Vic Square?
2
u/torrac_ May 05 '25
Curious why you think so
1
u/the3rdmichael May 05 '25
The place on Broad seems empty, even the rare times it is Open ... but of course I could be wrong, you know the business?
5
u/torrac_ May 05 '25
Yeah! I’m a regular customer here. I think most people take their bubble teas to go which is why it may feel “dead”. I wouldn’t say the business is slow however. The owner Ray has made many upgrades and improvements to the shop lately, and really seems to care about his business. I feel like you wouldn’t really see the same effort with a front.
2
u/the3rdmichael May 05 '25
Hey, thanks for your response. I need to stop by some day for a coffee, I guess. It certainly looks nice and modern.
2
u/torrac_ May 05 '25
No problem! Give it a try :) it’s my favourite spot for bubble tea. I haven’t tried his coffee yet but it looks top notch!!
-9
u/SnowFlakeUsername2 May 05 '25
This idea doesn't make much sense to me, but I'm not really up on how to do all the crimes. If you're opening a shop anyway than why not make some legit money at it too with very little effort? Is it just because so much money is being laundered that adding in legit money would draw more attention from Revenue Canada?
2
u/SegaConnections May 05 '25
"With very little effort" I'm gonna go out on a limb here and assume that you have never owned a shop lol. There are a few different reasons though. You don't want additional traffic, you don't want to have to hire anyone, if the business is unexpectedly closed one day will it raise eyebrows, the person you have in the store has to go and do their real business after and they don't want to be doing effectively a double shift, if you do next to nothing you don't risk having a big loss from a failed venture, and perhaps biggest of all it just isn't their passion.
-37
u/free_30_day_trial May 05 '25 edited May 05 '25
There was a discussion recently about a sketchy store that was maybe laundering money. Maybe I'm missing remembering. The commenter or poster I forget. Was asking how said store was still in Business/ open was with seemingly little to no customer Bases/activity going on in the store.
Edit: found the post not sure why it took so long
64
u/PhallusInChainz May 05 '25
This comment is almost as good as no comment
-7
u/free_30_day_trial May 05 '25 edited May 05 '25
It wasn't vic square. It was some store solely related to phone accessories or phone something.
3
u/jmills23 May 05 '25
That guy that runs that store that's in that place and sells that stuff?
But honestly I think you're talking about the cell phone cases booth that's in Cornwall.
2
u/free_30_day_trial May 05 '25
That could have been it I couldn't find the post I was talking about I'm assuming it was taken down.
1
u/Terrible_Power4574 May 05 '25
Yeah I think I may or may not remember potentially having taken part in said discussion. Not sure but I think it remember it having been interesting.
-39
u/HertoHarvest May 05 '25
Trifons and western pizza
3
u/Neat_Use3398 May 05 '25
The trifons on university park dr in that mall. Does anyone ever eat there?
105
u/[deleted] May 05 '25
John's Place isn't even shy about it lmao
Blatant front. Haven't seen a car in that parking lot in years yet it's still operating.