Latest news with #JanetCampbell
CBC
13-05-2025
- CBC
Brampton man facing fraud charge, 2 lawsuits as alleged real estate deposit scam collapses
Social Sharing A Brampton man has been charged with fraud and is facing two lawsuits related to an alleged pre-construction home deposit scam worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Moiz Kunwar, 28, allegedly took real estate deposits from at least nine homebuyers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for pre-construction houses he didn't have the right to sell and which were being built by unrelated, legitimate developers. Janet Campbell is one of them. The Brampton grandmother and six others are collectively suing Kunwar to get back nearly $170,000 they paid him for deposits on pre-construction homes they purchased but never received. "This hurt me a lot because I believed him, and I trusted him to have a home, and it didn't happen," said Campbell. "He took me to this site to see the home, but it wasn't my home." After many delays, Campbell says Kunwar assured her the nearly $1-million five-bedroom Brampton home she'd signed a purchase agreement for in July 2022 would be ready by Jan. 1 of this year, so she told her landlord she'd be moving out. But then her dream home never materialized. "When I looked at my children, and my grandchildren, and they looked at me and they said, 'Mom, where are we going to go? What are we going to do?' What do I tell them?" Campbell spent her remaining savings on Airbnbs for herself and her family. She recently secured a rental by taking out loans for first and last month's rent. WATCH | Brampton grandmother suing to get back deposit: Man facing criminal charges, lawsuits over alleged GTA real estate scam 3 minutes ago Duration 3:12 Peel Regional Police charged Kunwar with fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime for an alleged fraud linked to real estate in March. The victim who was allegedly defrauded confirmed to CBC that her case involves deposits she paid Kunwar for two pre-construction homes she never received. She is not part of either lawsuit. The charges against Kunwar have not yet been tested in court. 'Simply a sales associate' Kunwar did not respond to CBC requests for comment for this story, but his lawyer filed a statement of defence in response to Campbell's lawsuit on Friday. In the court filing, Kunwar denied all allegations of fraud and that he'd ever represented himself as a real estate investor, broker, developer or mortgage lender. Instead, the record says Kunwar was "simply a sales associate" who received some payments on behalf of his superiors and did not deposit them for his own personal use. The statement of defence does not explain who those superiors are, or what, if any, company they're associated with. But it does say that Kunwar believed the transactions were lawful and legitimate and that the time frames he provided for the property developments were based on information he was given by his superiors. The defence also says Kunwar arranged for Campbell and two of the other plaintiffs to get some of their money back. Real builder confirmed no connection years ago Three years ago, a CBC Toronto investigation raised questions about these real estate deals after a local realtor sounded the alarm about a sales pitch with below-market prices and low mortgage rates he said was circulating in Toronto's Black community. The offer was for pre-construction homes in developments constructed by Paradise Developments Inc. — a licensed developer building homes in the GTA. The seller marketing the deals had a nearly identical name, Paradise Development Homes Limited (PDHL). Private lender Empire Finance was supposed to provide the mortgage financing for the deals. Kunwar was listed as the president of that supposed company on a business card, but Empire Finance is not a registered corporation in Ontario, nor a licensed lender or broker. The builder told CBC it had no connection to or business relationship with the seller and Empire Finance, and that neither company had the right to market or sell Paradise Developments' homes. At the time, CBC also spoke to more than 10 other people who said they either gave deposits to Kunwar or others connected with PDHL or Empire Finance, had friends or family who made payments, or who heard the sales pitch in person but didn't invest. Some raised concerns about the validity of the deals, while others believed they had legitimately purchased a home, since their closing dates were years away. In its statement then, Paradise Developments Inc. also said Kunwar had no authority or legal right to sell any of the builder's properties. Kunwar told CBC in 2022 that he passed on information about the deals to people he knew but denied taking deposits. At the time, he said he had put down deposits for two homes himself. Deposits still taken in 2024 Despite having no relationship with the real builder, it appears Kunwar continued to take deposits for pre-construction homes as recently as last year. Three of the homebuyers in Campbell's lawsuit signed their agreements in 2024. "More than two years after the fact, this is still happening," said Andrew Ballantyne, the lawyer representing Campbell and six other homebuyers in the lawsuit. "One of the clients who I now have signed their purchase agreement in May of last year. So this isn't something that stopped." In an affidavit filed in the other lawsuit against Kunwar, the plaintiff says he organized a meeting with Kunwar after CBC published the story in which Kunwar maintained he had the authority to sell homes and that "Paradise Homes had to tell CBC there was no agreement because it was confidential." Kunwar was "extremely persuasive and convincing at this meeting," and the plaintiff left the meeting trusting that Kunwar was an authorized seller and that his agreements of purchase were legitimate, according to the court filing. The plaintiff's statement of claim to recover nearly $100,000 in deposits he paid for two properties was filed about two years later, in August 2024. Norman Groot is representing that homebuyer. The fraud recovery lawyer is trying to get a default judgment against Kunwar, who did not respond to the claim until he attended a virtual court appearance last month asking for more time. "We have seen this scenario many times," Groot said. "Most frauds are a variation of the same sort of play. Obtaining trust, sense of urgency, a little bit of greed on behalf of the victim, lack of due diligence and a combination of factors results in somebody making a decision they wish they never had." Campbell hopes by speaking out she can help others avoid trusting offers like the one she got, which might be too good to be true.
CBC
13-03-2025
- CBC
Non-profit aims to prevent labour trafficking in Manitoba's migrant-reliant trucking industry
A Manitoba-based charity that supports survivors of human trafficking hopes to raise awareness about the issue of labour trafficking among workers in the increasingly migrant-reliant trucking industry. The Joy Smith Foundation has partnered with the Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) and local police in a campaign to better inform victims on how to report attempts to coerce them into unsafe working conditions through deceptive recruitment practices, withheld wages and threats of retaliation. The foundation said Thursday the push will include educational billboards, posters and flyers over the next few months to inform professional drivers, trucking company leaders and the public about the signs of labour trafficking. "Education truly is our greatest weapon," said CEO Janet Campbell. "If people understand the issue and they understand what to do if they're ever confronted, they then become empowered to take action and disrupt this from happening." Federal data shows Manitoba businesses in the trades, transport, equipment operation and related occupations were cleared to hire 1,467 temporary foreign workers in 2023 — an increase of nearly 1,300 per cent from 106 five years earlier. Program criticized Canada's temporary foreign workers program has been criticized as being open to abuse, including labour trafficking. A recent Amnesty International report condemned it as "inherently exploitative," arguing it violates Canada's commitments to international law. "Those individuals are coming to our country to find a better life," Campbell said. "They're not familiar with our customs, they're not familiar with our laws and the immigration process, they're really uncertain that in fact, they are even being victimized." Campbell says employers are heavily involved in workers' immigration process because they are usually the ones who help bring them to Canada, and that creates a sense of trust employers can exploit to manipulate people into doing things such as turning in their passports or convince them speaking out will get them deported. Campbell said forced labour incidents are rarely reported because victims aren't aware the authorities can protect them. 'We're trying to get ahead of the situation' A total of 43 human trafficking incidents were reported in Manitoba from 2013 to 2023, according to Statistics Canada. However, 4,543 cases were reported across the country, including 2,914 in Ontario. There was only one reported incident in Manitoba in 2023. "We're trying to get ahead of the situation," said Rachelle Baker, chair of the MTA's human resources council. "We hear stories every day and specially working with recruiting and bringing new drivers on. It's stories that you wouldn't think would happen in Manitoba or in Winnipeg, but it's happening all around us." Robert MacKenzie, board chair with Winnipeg Crime Stoppers, said the campaign is about letting know people they can come forward to the authorities without fearing retribution. "If you see something, say something," he said.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Media Alert/Photo Advisory: Joy Smith Foundation Launching Initiative to Combat Forced Labour in Manitoba
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, March 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To mark Manitoba Human Trafficking Awareness Day, The Joy Smith Foundation is holding a press conference to announce an initiative that aims to raise awareness about forced labour trafficking in Manitoba's trucking industry. Labour trafficking is a hidden and urgent issue in Manitoba, with victims often coerced into unsafe working conditions through deceptive recruitment practices, withheld wages, and threats of retaliation. While labour trafficking exists across various industries in Canada, The Joy Smith Foundation is proud to announce an initiative focused specifically on supporting the trucking industry, where vulnerabilities to trafficking have been identified. The Joy Smith Foundation, in partnership with the Manitoba Trucking Association and Crime Stoppers, is committed to addressing the systemic issues that facilitate labour trafficking in Manitoba. This new initiative builds on the foundation's previous successes, including the 2023 national 'See the Trafficking Signs' campaign, which focused on preventing youth from being lured into the sex Manitoba Trucking Association, 25 Bunting Street, Winnipeg, MB R2X 2P5When: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Thursday, March 13, 2025WHO: Janet Campbell, President & CEO, The Joy Smith FoundationPauline Wiebe Peters, President, Manitoba Trucking AssociationRachelle Baker, Chair, MTA Human Resource CouncilRob MacKenzie, Chair, Winnipeg Crime Stoppers RSVP and Media Contact: Janet Campbell janet@ or 204-470-8967 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Intelligent Product Solutions Selected for New York Product Design Award for Its Work on the EON Laser
IPS wins New York Product Design Award for its design work on the EON Laser, a fat reduction device by Dominion Aesthetic Technologies HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intelligent Product Solutions (IPS) today announced that it received a New York Product Design award, for its product design work on the EON Laser, a FDA-cleared, touch-free, and pain-free fat reduction device by Dominion Aesthetic Technologies. A global product design and development firm, Intelligent Product Solutions is a subsidiary of Forward Industries (NASDAQ: FORD). The New York Product Design awards honor the efforts of talented product designers, design teams and manufacturers from all over the world. It recognizes the contributions they have made to daily living, with their practical and ingenious creations. 'At IPS, we're proud to receive this award for our innovative medical device design of this revolutionary product,' said Bob Wild, CEO of Intelligent Product Solutions. 'Working with Dominion Aesthetic Technologies, together we are redefining the future of aesthetic medicine, leveraging our expertise in product design.' The EON Laser introduces revolutionary technology in subcutaneous fat reduction, offering patients the industry's first touch-free and painless treatment option, delivering safer outcomes and eliminating recovery time. Utilizing laser energy, the EON Laser locally raises the temperature of subcutaneous fat, triggering lipolysis (the breakdown and metabolization of adipose tissue) while simultaneously cooling the skin, offering patients a pain-free alternative with unprecedented results. The scientifically proven EON Laser has received multiple FDA clearances and can be found at esthetic surgery centers and med-spas across the United States, offering patients a non-invasive alternative to liposuction and other surgical interventions. 'It's such a wonderful surprise to learn that EON has be recognized for its beautiful design,' said Janet Campbell, founder and Chairman of the Board, Dominion Aesthetic Technologies. 'It couldn't have been possible without the support of Intelligent Product Solutions. We are excited about the future of EON delivering the first of its kind non-invasive robotic fat reduction treatments. EON is dedicated to providing incredible patient outcomes with the safest fat reducing treatment available.' About Intelligent Product Solutions Intelligent Product Solutions (IPS), a subsidiary of Forward Industries (NASDAQ: FORD), is an award-winning global product design and development company with headquarters in New York. IPS offers a full range of expert product design and engineering services, with an expertise in medtech and wearable technology solutions. Its clients are among the leading brands in consumer electronics and medical devices, including Neuvotion, Google, Verizon, Zebra Technologies and Steinway. To learn more about IPS, visit or contact info@ Visit IPS on social media: For more media information, contact:Lisa Hendrickson, LCH Communications for IPSLisa@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
