Man accused of hosting illegal penthouse parties in Vancouver now facing new charge
A penthouse owner who Vancouver police have accused of hosting large parties and a “makeshift nightclub” inside his residence is now facing a new charge.
According to the BC Prosecution Service, Mo Movassaghi was already facing two counts of of failure to comply with an order made by health officials, in contravention of the Public Health Act.
Now, he’s facing a new charge of unlawful sale of liquor contrary to Section 8 of the Liquor Control Act.
“All offences are alleged to have occurred on January 31,” a BCPS spokesperson told Daily Hive. The latest charge was sworn in on February 18.
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According to VPD, police executed a warrant at the downtown residence on that date and subsequently found what they described as “a nightclub and show lounge” operating inside the man’s 1,100-square-foot apartment — saying it was “packed” with people.
“Our officers found 78 people inside the three-level apartment, and none of them were wearing masks,” said VPD Sgt. Steve Addison at the time. “There were menus, tables, point-of-sale terminals, and cash tills.”
He said the 42-year-old party host was arrested under the Public Health Act, and each guest was issued a $230 ticket for failing to wear a face covering.
In total, police issued more than $17,000 in fines to the 77 guests for attending a non-compliant event, contrary to BC’s Emergency Program Act.
Movassaghi’s next court appearance on these charges is set for March 22, 2021.
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