Agent: Vanek not involved in illegal activity 'in any way, shape or form'
The agent for Minnesota Wild forward Thomas Vanek says his client isn't in danger of being charged after the winger was named in an ongoing money laundering investigation.
“Thomas is not in any way, shape or form involved in any illegal activities or in trouble here," agent Steve Bartlett told Michael Russo of the Star Tribune on Friday.
A defense attorney for a man who pleaded guilty to illegal gambling and conspiracy to launder money suggested the check his client helped launder came from Vanek when he played for the New York Islanders.
Bartlett elaborated about why he believes his client won't be charged:
If you read it quickly or you listen to his comments, it almost alludes to the fact that Thomas Vanek was involved in money laundering, which is totally false. He is not the subject of any investigation or criminal charges or anything whatsoever. He was a witness against this guy who was the bookmaker. He was the guy that wanted money and Thomas paid it to him. Thomas wasn’t involved in any bookmaking activities.
Bartlett added that Vanek merely bet on football games. The forward testified to this, his agent said.
Vanek left Friday's practice without comment.
- With h/t to Pro Hockey Talk