2009-03-03 14:21 PST File #2008-85 On March 3rd, 2009, Ian Gregory Thow, 47, appeared in United States Federal Court in Seattle, Washington regarding the Government of Canada’s request he be extradited to Canada to face 25 counts of Fraud over $5,000. Mr. Thow waived his right to an extradition hearing. He remains in United States’custody pending final arrangements for his transfer to Canada. No date has yet been set for his return.
BACKGROUND:
The Vancouver Integrated Market Enforcement Team (IMET) began investigating Mr. Thow in the summer of 2005 based on complaints received from investors and Berkshire Investment Group (Berkshire). Mr. Thow was a registered representative and licensed mutual fund dealer who managed the Berkshire office in Victoria, B.C. between January 2003 and June 2005.
On June 9, 2008, Mr. Thow was charged with 25 counts of Fraud over $5,000 and a warrant for his arrest was issued. On February 17, 2009, Mr. Thow was arrested by the U.S. Marshals’Fugitive Task Force in Portland, Oregon and subsequently transferred to Seattle for his extradition hearing.
Created in 2003, IMETs are specialized units funded by the Federal Government to investigate capital markets fraud. IMET’s mandate is to enhance the protection of Canada's capital markets through the detection and prevention of serious corporate and financial market crime.
Media inquiries can be directed to Acting Sergeant Sammy Wu, Integrated Market Enforcement Team, (604)602-4470.
Released by:
Acting Sergeant Sammy Wu
RCMP Vancouver Integrated Market Enforcement Team
Media Relations officer
604-602-4470
