The plaintiff, Ameresco Canada Inc., moved for default judgment against the defendant, Bernard Christopher, who was noted in default for failing to file a defence.
The defendant had defrauded the plaintiff of $911,528.44 through cyber fraud, by intercepting email communications and directing the plaintiff to wire payments to his personal account.
The plaintiff recovered $764,613.45.
The court granted default judgment, including pre-judgment and post-judgment interest.
The court awarded $90,000 in punitive damages, emphasizing the severity of cyber fraud and the need for disincentive.
Costs were fixed at $6,000, including disbursements and HST, noting that costs for prior procedural orders were not awarded.
