A former Calgary investment adviser who is already serving time for fraud will get a new trial on a separate secret commission conviction, after the Alberta Court of Appeal found errors in the original proceedings.
Appeal Court Orders Retrial
The court ruled that the trial judge made a mistake in instructing the jury on the elements of the secret commission charge. The decision means the adviser, whose name is under a publication ban, will face a second trial on that count while his fraud conviction stands.
The case stems from allegations that the adviser accepted undisclosed payments from clients for investment recommendations. He was originally convicted in 2024 and sentenced to several years in prison.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal analysts say the appeal ruling highlights the complexity of secret commission cases, which require proof that the accused acted corruptly. The new trial is expected to be scheduled within the next six months.
Neither the Crown nor the defense has commented on the decision.
