Court File and Parties

Court File No.: CV-20-00647572 Date: 2025-12-31 Superior Court of Justice - Ontario

Re: Randy Taylor, Plaintiff And: Maureen Calder, IFS Group Inc., International Financial Services Group Inc., Appiah Opoku Boateng o/a Asahanti Law, Benitto Francis Palomino, Palomino Gordon Law Professional Corporation, Common Balance Equity Group Inc. and Bindaas Capital Inc., Defendants

Before: Schabas J.

Counsel: Miguna Miguna, for the Plaintiff

Heard: In writing

Endorsement

[1] The defendant Maureen Calder has been noted in default. The plaintiff now seeks default judgment against her. Essentially, as set out in the Statement of Claim, Calder took advantage of the plaintiff, convincing him to advance large sums of money to her based-on promises that she would invest it and provide generous returns. Calder acted fraudulently, returning only very small sums.

[2] The plaintiff has settled some of this action, against the lawyers Boateng and Palomino.

[3] On this motion for judgment, I am satisfied that the plaintiff is entitled, as requested, to $327,850 in liquidated damages. I also find support for the claim for $250,000 in general damages, based on actual amounts advanced and other losses due to Calder's dishonest conduct.

[4] Based on the allegations of fraud and Calder's reprehensible conduct in taking advantage of an unsophisticated person and depriving him of much of his life savings, I also agree that an award of punitive damages is appropriate in the amount of $100,000.

[5] The plaintiff also seeks costs on a substantial indemnity basis totalling $55,000. Based on the conduct of the defendant, and the original agreement which provides for full indemnification, costs on a substantial indemnity basis are warranted. However, based on the Bill of Costs, the amount should be considerably larger. In accordance with the Bill of Costs, I award the plaintiff the sum of $89,448.60 for costs, inclusive of HST and disbursements.

[6] Subject to my change in the award of costs, Judgment shall issue as set out in the draft Judgment provided.

Paul B. Schabas J Date: December 31, 2025