CTV Montreal

Disgraced financier case delayed until December

Updated: Fri Oct. 02 2009 6:28:27 PM

ctvmontreal.ca

A 68-year-old former real-estate agent from Montreal’s Armenian
community could face additional fraud charges.

Leon Kordzian is already on trial for fraud and weapons possession,
but the case is being delayed while Montreal investigators conduct
another fraud investigation.

Kordzian is accused of defrauding dozens of people by recruiting
investors for real-estate transactions with promises of 18 to 24%
returns.

He was supposed to appear in court on Friday, but his lawyer Daniel
Lighter convinced the judge to delay the case.

"We postponed the case until December because we’ve been advised by
the Montreal Police department because there might be, might be
several more accusations coming down within the next several weeks,"
said Lighter.

Ali Reza Pedram was one of the original whistleblowers, saying he lost
$10 000 to Kordzian.

He thinks more people have agreed to talk to police.

"He comes as a friend to you and then convinces you he has something
in return as a friend. And you trust him," said Pedram.

Many alleged victims were too scared or too embarassed to come
forward, while two say they received death threats.

Kordzian promised his Ahuntsic triplex collateral for his investors,
but the building is legally registered in the name of his sister.

He is due back in court on December 15th.