North Vancouver Woman Awarded $1.3M in Urgent Fraud Ruling

UPDATE: A North Vancouver woman, Manjeet Kaur Sandhu, has been awarded $1.3 million in damages after being defrauded in a fake real estate scheme. A judge from the B.C. Supreme Court ruled that the defendants, Meera Virk and Kuldeep Virk, breached a verbal agreement concerning a non-existent development project in Dubai.

According to the court’s written ruling, released on August 6, the Virks must repay Sandhu’s initial investment of $600,000 along with accrued interest and additional damages for the significant emotional and financial turmoil they caused her. This ruling marks a crucial moment for victims of fraud as it highlights the consequences of deceitful financial practices.

The decision comes after Sandhu, a single mother and nurse at Lions Gate Hospital, was persuaded by the Virks to invest in what they claimed was a lucrative construction project. The Virks, introduced to Sandhu through her brother-in-law, repeatedly invoked their Sikh faith to build trust and secure her investment.

Despite promises of repayment and assurances that the project was near completion, the Virks failed to return any funds. Justice Richard Fowler emphasized that the Virks had not only defaulted on their obligations but had also exploited Sandhu’s vulnerability for personal gain.

“On the other hand, the Virks have not been investigated by the police or punished in any way from the fraudulent scheme they used to deceive Ms. Sandhu of $600,000,” Fowler stated in the ruling. As of April 6, 2025, the Virks acknowledged via email that they received Sandhu’s funds and reiterated their commitment to return the money, yet no action was taken.

Justice Fowler concluded that the evidence unequivocally pointed to civil fraud, citing numerous false statements made by Meera Virk to encourage Sandhu’s investment. The court found that the Virks defaulted on two private mortgages shortly after receiving the final payment from Sandhu.

The total damages awarded to Sandhu include $811,000 plus post-judgment interest, alongside an additional $165,000 for aggravated and punitive damages. Fowler indicated that punitive damages were necessary to deter similar fraudulent behavior.

“The plaintiff was extremely vulnerable,” he noted, underscoring the need for justice in cases of financial exploitation. Despite police notifications, no charges have been filed against the Virks, leaving their fraudulent actions unpunished.

This ruling serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for vigilance in financial investments, particularly for individuals who may be susceptible to manipulation. As the case develops, attention remains focused on the broader implications for fraud victims and the justice system’s response to financial crimes.

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