A fraudster who defrauded more than $500,000 from around 30 victims by posing as a wealthy investor should be sentenced to three years in prison, according to the Crown. Gyula Jr Barta lured his victims with a preposterous “big draw” of 3.25 million.
Posted at 1:47 p.m.
Two million-dollar jackpots, dozens of fabulous prizes, a $200,000 dinner. This improbable draw supported by a mysterious billionaire was the dream of many people in 2014. By reserving a “seat” of $250 to $2,500 for Gyula Jr Barta’s conference, the lucky ones had a good chance of winning these tempting prizes.
“Does this all sound a little hard to believe?” Not sure if it’s serious? Yet it is! “, assured the fraudster in the letter of invitation to his conference.
But it was all just a bunch of lies. Complete families have thus ruined themselves to obtain these counterfeit notes from Gyula Jr Barta. “These are people who are not wealthy. People who have lost their homes. There was distress, ”summarized on Monday the Crown prosecutor Me Denis Trotier. The 60-year-old Montrealer pleaded guilty to 12 counts of fraud last November.
If Gyula Jr Barta has succeeded in convincing his victims, it is because for years he has played a credible character as a prolific investor at the head of a team of “traders”. He also extracted $ 125,000 from a victim in 2009 by dangling him miraculous returns.
Depicted by his friends as a cultured, generous and extremely sensitive man, the fraudster targeted his longtime acquaintances for his big scam. “He was someone we trusted,” said a man who lost $10,000 last year. “It seemed to be a gift from someone who was rich,” said another victim.
The Crown sought a three-year sentence on Monday during sentencing submissions. Among the aggravating factors, the prosecutor noted the sophistication of the fraudulent scheme and the number of victims. In addition, Gyula Jr Barta lived on fraud for seven years, even paying for many trips.
The Crown is also seeking the imposition of a fine of $500,000 on the fraudster. If the latter does not repay his victims in 10 years, he would risk an additional sentence of three years in prison.
Defending himself, Gyula Jr Barta requested a sentence of two years less a day from Judge Robert Marchi. The fraudster presented his “deep regrets” to the victims, saying he was aware that his lies had shattered their “dreams”. “I am extremely ashamed,” he insisted. The fraudster now wants his “experience to help people”.
Sentencing is expected next June.