Wealthy Scam Artist Meets Untimely End Before Edmonton Fraud Trial Edward John Odishaw, a man accused of orchestrating a massive $7.8 million Ponzi scheme, has drowned in British Columbia just weeks before his scheduled fraud trial in Edmonton. Odishaw, 61, was found unresponsive in the waters off Gabriola Island on June 18, 2023. Police have ruled his death as an accidental drowning. The news has sent shockwaves through the community and the legal system. Odishaw had been facing dozens of charges, including fraud, theft, and money laundering, in connection with his alleged scheme that ran for over a decade. Investigators allege that Odishaw lured victims into investing in his company, Quadrant Energy Services, by promising high returns on oil and gas projects. However, prosecutors claimed that no such investments existed, and the money provided by investors was simply used to pay off earlier victims, in a classic Ponzi scheme fashion. According to police, Odishaw lived a lavish lifestyle, buying luxury properties and traveling extensively with the money he stole from his victims. Many of those victims were elderly or vulnerable individuals who lost their life savings due to his deception. The Edmonton Police Service had been investigating Odishaw for several years, and his arrest in 2022 sent a clear message that fraudsters will be held accountable for their crimes. Odishaw’s death, however, has now deprived the victims of the justice they deserve. “It is truly unfortunate that Mr. Odishaw will not have to face the consequences of his actions in court,” said Edmonton Police Detective Brian Weston. “Our thoughts are with the victims who have suffered significant financial and emotional loss.” The Crown Prosecutor’s office has expressed disappointment at Odishaw’s untimely demise, but emphasized that the trial will proceed against the remaining accused individuals. Two of Odishaw’s associates are scheduled to stand trial later this year. The case of Edward John Odishaw serves as a chilling reminder of the devastating impact that fraud can have on individuals and communities. It also highlights the importance of vigilance and reporting suspected financial crimes to authorities.Drowning of Man Accused of Massive Ponzi SchemeDrowning of Man Accused of Massive Ponzi Scheme A man accused of orchestrating a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme has died by drowning in a British Columbia river. Curtis Quigley, 56, was facing 80 counts of fraud over $5,000 alongside his former common-law spouse, Kathleen Treadgold. Details of the Alleged Crime According to the Edmonton Police Service, the scheme spanned 12 years and involved $7.8 million in fraudulent activities. Hundreds of victims from Alberta, BC, the US, and Australia were allegedly defrauded. Investigation and Cause of Death The BC Coroners Service is investigating Quigley’s death, which occurred on June 20 in the Okanagan River. Witnesses reported that Quigley was walking his dogs when they jumped into the water to chase a deer. He went in after them but became trapped in a concrete drop structure. Legal Implications Quigley had been out on bail after surrendering to Edmonton police in August 2023. The charges against him technically remain in place but have been discontinued due to his death. The prosecution is still awaiting a death certificate to officially stay the proceedings. Treadgold’s charges are still active, but the impact of Quigley’s death on her case is unclear. The Crown prosecution service will assess the available evidence and proceed accordingly. Legacy and Impact Quigley’s alleged Ponzi scheme has left a trail of financial devastation. The full list of charges in the case identifies over 80 victims, including individuals and businesses. His trial was scheduled to begin in Edmonton in 2025, but his death has put an end to the legal proceedings. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of fraudulent schemes and the importance of due diligence when investing.A 77-year-old Edmonton man accused of orchestrating a $7.8 million Ponzi scheme drowned in British Columbia last month before he was set to stand trial in the provincial capital. Wayne Anthony Tremblay and his company, WT Financial Inc., were charged in May 2021 with fraud, theft, and laundering the proceeds of crime. The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) alleged that Tremblay operated the Ponzi scheme between January 2009 and July 2019, attracting over $7.8 million from investors through false and misleading representations. According to the ASC, Tremblay told investors that their money would be invested in real estate and foreign currency trading, but instead, he used it to pay for personal expenses and make payments to earlier investors. The ASC alleged that Tremblay used sophisticated methods to conceal the true nature of the scheme, including using multiple bank accounts and shell companies. Tremblay was arrested in November 2020 and was supposed to stand trial in Edmonton this year. However, B.C. Coroners Service confirmed that on April 23, Tremblay drowned in Sicamous, B.C. The death is considered non-criminal.