Short Description
A financial intelligence analyst testifies a former broker stopped checking voicemails amid allegations he ghosted clients in a complex fraud case.
Read Time
4 minutes, 15 seconds
Main Article
In a financial crimes trial that has captivated observers, a key witness’s testimony is being used to support a central prosecution theory. Normand Blais, a criminal intelligence analyst with the RCMP, took the stand to detail the phone records of Daniel Bard, a former finance broker facing 19 charges, including fraud and money laundering. The Crown’s case hinges on allegations that Bard engaged in deceptive financial fraud schemes against business owners, only to vanish when victims sought answers or their funds. Blais’s analysis of “tens of thousands” of data points aimed to map Bard’s communication patterns, specifically during a critical period when alleged victims reported being “ghosted.”
Blais testified that from January to July 2020—a timeframe aligning with numerous complaints—the phone number associated with Bard showed no attempts to retrieve voicemails. The defense questioned the relevance of earlier 2019 data, but Crown prosecutor Christopher Ryan clarified its importance, stating this pattern is core to the “ghosting” theory. This testimony directly supports the narrative from previous witnesses, who described Bard halting communication after luring them into complex loan deals. The case highlights critical financial crimes trends, where perpetrators use an initial veil of professionalism to facilitate alleged investment fraud and financial exploitation, before disappearing.
The trial represents a significant attempt at white-collar justice, following a mistrial last year. By focusing on digital evidence like phone data, prosecutors are methodically building a paper trail to counter financial exploitation claims. This approach is crucial for establishing a pattern of behavior required for convictions in complex white-collar crime. The defense did not cross-examine Blais, leaving this piece of the puzzle unchallenged for now. The trial will continue, with more evidence expected to shed light on whether these communications gaps were deliberate tactics of evasion or had alternate explanations.
Short Summary
The trial of former broker Daniel Bard continues with analysts presenting phone records showing no voicemail retrieval amid alleged “ghosting” of clients. This testimony supports Crown allegations of a deliberate pattern in a complex financial fraud case involving multiple charges of fraud and money laundering. The proceedings underscore the intricate process of proving intent in white-collar crime and the pursuit of justice for affected investors.
