Financial and White Collar Crimes
Charges involving financial and white collar crimes can have life-altering consequences, ranging from imprisonment and heavy fines to professional disqualification, asset seizure, and reputational ruin.
Strategic Defence for Financial and White Collar Crimes
Charges involving financial or white-collar crimes can have life-altering consequences, ranging from imprisonment and heavy fines to professional disqualification, asset seizure, and reputational ruin. These cases are often rooted in lengthy investigations involving complex financial documents, digital records, and multi-agency coordination.
At Stern Shapray Criminal Lawyers, we defend individuals facing allegations of fraud, theft, embezzlement, and other financial misconduct. Whether you are a first-time offender or a professional under regulatory scrutiny, we provide strategic, discreet, and experienced representation at every stage.
Common Charges We Defend:
Credit card fraud, identity theft, and phishing schemes
Securities fraud and insider trading
Bank fraud, cheque fraud, and mortgage fraud
Employment-related theft or embezzlement
Investment scams and Ponzi schemes
False pretenses and misrepresentation
Forgery of documents, IDs, or financial records
Money laundering and proceeds of crime
Breach of trust and fiduciary misconduct
These offences are often prosecuted under both the Criminal Code and regulatory statutes, requiring a defence that understands both criminal law and financial regulation. Our team routinely works with forensic accountants, digital analysts, and industry experts to dismantle the Crown’s case and highlight weaknesses in their narrative.
We also advise on:
- Reputational Management
- Regulatory Defence (e.g., OSC, FSRA, IIROC investigations)
Whether you’re being investigated or already charged, early legal intervention can significantly affect the outcome. Our lawyers know how to engage with investigators, negotiate discreet resolutions, or take your case to trial if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Financial & White Collar Crimes in British Columbia
What are financial and white collar crimes under Canadian law?
Financial and white collar crimes in Canada include fraud, theft over $5,000, forgery, money laundering, tax evasion, identity theft, securities fraud, and breach of trust. These offences typically involve deception for financial gain and are prosecuted under the Criminal Code and related federal legislation. British Columbia, particularly Vancouver and Surrey, sees a high volume of complex financial crime investigations. Related areas include property crimes such as theft and robbery.
What is the penalty for fraud in Canada?
Fraud over $5,000 is an indictable offence carrying a maximum of 14 years imprisonment. Fraud under $5,000 may be prosecuted summarily or by indictment. Where the fraud exceeds $1 million or involves a large number of victims, courts must consider a minimum sentence of two years less a day. Aggravating factors, such as targeting vulnerable individuals or abusing a position of trust, can increase the penalty substantially.
What is money laundering and is it a crime in BC?
Money laundering involves concealing or converting proceeds of crime to make them appear legitimate. It is a serious criminal offence in Canada under section 462.31 of the Criminal Code, carrying up to 10 years imprisonment by indictment. British Columbia has been identified as a significant jurisdiction for money laundering activity, and investigations here often involve multiple agencies and complex financial evidence. These investigations frequently intersect with drug and organized crime matters and property crimes.
Can you be charged with fraud without knowing the full extent of a scheme?
Yes. You can face fraud charges even if you were not the primary organizer, provided the Crown can establish that you knowingly participated or benefited from the scheme. Wilful blindness, deliberately ignoring obvious red flags, can also satisfy the knowledge requirement. A criminal lawyer can assess the specific evidence and identify available defences.
How are financial crime investigations conducted in BC?
Financial crime investigations in British Columbia, particularly in Surrey, Vancouver, Kelowna, and Victoria, often involve multiple agencies, including the RCMP’s Financial Crime Unit, the BC Securities Commission, and the Canada Revenue Agency. Investigators may obtain production orders for banking records, emails, and business documents. These investigations can span months or years before charges are laid, making early legal advice critical.
What should I do if I am under investigation for a financial crime, and do I need a lawyer?
If you become aware of a financial crime investigation targeting you, do not speak to investigators without first consulting a criminal lawyer, anything you say can be used against you. Financial crime charges are complex, often involving voluminous documentary evidence and serious consequences including lengthy prison terms and financial penalties. Early legal representation, whether you are under investigation or already charged in Surrey, Vancouver, Kelowna, Victoria, Nanaimo, Prince George, or Fort St. John, is essential to protect your rights, manage production order responses, and develop a defence strategy before charges are formally laid. Contact Stern Shapray Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation.