Bail denied to controversial Edmonton landlord Abdullah Shah

A judge denied bail Tuesday fornotorious Edmonton landlordAbdullah Shah, also known as Carmen Pervez.

• Well-known Edmonton landlord arrested again on drug charges
• Edmonton 'slumlord' has long criminal history, including drugs, violence

Shahwas taken into custody last Friday after police searched a central Edmonton warehouse linked to him.

A cancer in our community- McCauley resident David Williamson

Inside the warehouse at 9319 111 Ave., officers found a machete, ammunition including a magazine and bullets and allegedly stolen cheque books.Shah was charged with a number of offences including three counts of breach of recognizance.

Shah has a long criminal history that dates back to 1983.

According to parole board documents, he has been convicted over the past 30 years of property and drug offences, assault, and most recently as the mastermind of a $30-million fraud scheme, for which he served his second prison term.

Criminal record considered

In court Tuesday, that criminal record was taken into consideration. Shah's lawyer Paul Moreau argued his client should be released, but the Crown opposed the application.

The arguments, heard by Judge David McNab, are covered by a publication ban.

Members of the McCauley community filled an entire row in the courtroom for the hearing. They smiled broadly when McNab turned down Shah's bail request.

Outside court, David Williamson expressed relief that Shah would remain behind bars.

He watched asShah wasarrested Friday and placedin the back of a police car, even snappinga picture with his Iphone.

Williamson called Shah's presence and business dealings "a cancer within our community."

"Jail is where he belongs," Williamson said. "I don't think he should be out on the streets on bail."

The father of twolives four doors down from one of Shah's properties.

"I've witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects on a community and his tenants. There's been needles in the yard and my young boys are playing in close proximity to the stuff."

Shah attendedhis bail hearing from the Edmonton Remand Centre viaclosed circuit television.

He showed no reaction when the judge denied his bail request.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug.17.