Over $17,000 in fines issued to guests of Vancouver penthouse party, host arrested

A 42-year-old man was arrested and over $17,000 in fines were given after police shut down an alleged "makeshift nightclub."

Mohammad Movassaghi has been charged by Vancouver police with two counts of failure to comply with an order of a health officer.

The makeshift club, shut down on Sunday, was "packed with people and appeared to be running as a nightclub or show lounge."

"Our officers found 78 people inside the three-level apartment, and none of them were wearing masks," police said in a media statement.

"There were menus, tables, point-of-sale terminals and cash tills."

77 people received 230 fines for attending the event.

British Columbia Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth called those who were fined "idiots who think they can flout the rules and the laws."

"The fines levied by the police may just be the start of the problems they are facing," he said, according to Global News.

"There could potentially be charges under the criminal code, for example, they may (face) additional fines (for violating) health orders, where the penalties can run up to $10,000 and one year in jail."

Vancouver Police launched an investigation one week ago after a witness called police to report a large party inside a penthouse apartment near Richards Street and Georgia Street, the media release states. Police handed out numerous fines to a man who was allegedly working as a doorman, however the party host refused to open the door and was defiant with police.

"Let this be a lesson to anyone who thinks the rules don't apply to them," said Sergeant Steve Addison. "If you are caught hosting or attending a party during the pandemic, and continue to break the rules, you could face stiff fines or wind up in jail."