News Release

Vancouver - Ayaz Dhanani (a.k.a. Alex Dhanani, Azim Virani, Michael Lee, Alex Nebris, Paul Dhanani, Samuel Ramos and Rahim Jiwa), 37, of Vancouver, B.C., was arrested on October 2, 2017, following an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Branch of the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC). He was arrested in Vancouver with assistance from the Vancouver Police and is in custody pending a bail hearing. A trial date has yet to be set.

Dhanani was arrested October 2 for multiple charges under the Criminal Code and the Securities Act.  It is alleged that, contrary to the Criminal Code, Dhanani:

• committed fraud and theft in excess of $5,000, and
• failed to comply with a term of his release on other outstanding prosecutions resulting from prior investigations by the BCSC and other investigative agencies.

It is also alleged that, contrary to the Securities Act, Dhanani:

• traded in securities in breach of a BCSC order issued December 16, 2016,
• distributed securities without a prospectus,
• gave undertakings related to the future value or price of a security,
• made misrepresentations, and
• acted as an advisor without being registered.

The BCSC issued the December 16 order after it found Dhanani defrauded three B.C. investors of $188,800. The BCSC issued several permanent prohibitions against Dhanani, including prohibitions from purchasing and trading in any securities, from engaging in investor relations activities, or from becoming or acting as a director or officer of any issuer or registrant. 

The BCSC also ordered Dhanani to pay $188,800 in disgorgement and an administrative penalty of $225,000. A portion of the disgorgement order has been satisfied and the administrative penalty remains unpaid.

About the British Columbia Securities Commission (www.bcsc.bc.ca) 

The British Columbia Securities Commission is the independent provincial government agency responsible for regulating capital markets in British Columbia through the administration of the Securities Act. Our mission is to protect and promote the public interest by fostering:

• A securities market that is fair and warrants public confidence
• A dynamic and competitive securities industry that provides investment opportunities and access to capital

Media Contact:
Alison Walker 
604-899-6713

Public inquiries:
604-899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393 (toll free)
inquiries@bcsc.bc.ca

Learn how to protect yourself and become a more informed investor at www.investright.org.