Illegal distributions and without prospectus - AMF files 40 charges against Marc Da Costa
Securities
Montréal - The Autorité des marchés financiers (the AMF) has launched penal proceedings against Marc Da Costa and is filing 40 charges against him, in addition to seeking fines totalling $240,000. The AMF also filed six charges against Équicapital and 10 charges against Parklane. Fines totalling $160,000 are also being sought from these two companies.
In this matter, Mark Da Costa solicited several clients to invest in Équicapital and Parklane, two companies offering a donation program with larger tax deductions than traditional donations. According to the facts, this was a ruse designed to illegally obtain tax benefits through charitable donations.
Under the program, a small amount of money could be invested in Équicapital or Parklane which then donated the money to a fictitious foundation on behalf of the investors. Investors subsequently received an official income tax receipt for a charitable donation much higher than the donation made on their behalf.
These investments are considered investment contracts under the Securities Act.
A total of nearly $219,000 was invested in these two companies by 16 investors.
The Autorité des marchés financiers (the AMF) is the regulatory and oversight body for Québec's financial sector.
- 30 -
Information:
Media only:
Sylvain Théberge: 514-940-2176
Information Centre:
Québec City: 418-525-0337
Montréal: 514-395-0337
Toll-free: 1-877-525-0337