Vancouver police are probing a Shaughnessy house fire late Monday night after firefighters stumbled upon a dead body inside.
Emergency crews were called to a home at 1518 Laurier Avenue after 9 p.m. to find the large heritage home engulfed in flames.
After putting out the flames, firefighters did a sweep of the building – which was vacant and for sale at the time – and found the body of a dead male in the basement.
The fire was quickly deemed an arson and Vancouver police have taken over the investigation of both the fire and the possible homicide.
The house has ties to criminal activity.
It was the subject of foreclosure in September and was taken into possession by accused drug dealer Robert Luigi Poloni, according to media reports.
He was charged with drug trafficking along with Robbie Della Penna, another accused drug dealer who testified at a 2003 Hells Angels trial.
Police are expected to release more details Tuesday.
