Monthly News & Updates

April/May | 2024

Last year marked a significant milestone for the ACFI as they commemorated their 25th Annual Conference with an outstanding lineup of speakers. Building on that success, the upcoming 26th Annual Fraud Conference series promises to uphold and even surpass the level of expertise showcased previously. Not only does this series offer valuable industry support and networking opportunities, but it also presents a chance for attendees to earn essential CPD hours and advance their professional growth. In response to the needs of our national membership, the conference will remain virtual in 2024, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. Moreover, participants can benefit from 1 accredited "Professionalism Hour" from The Law Society of Ontario. Dive deeper into the details below and secure your spot today to be part of this enriching experience!

Ask the Experts...

"But I don't want to be an Expert Witness"

By David Debenham, President ACFI

Lawyers presume that all of their professional witnesses have to be qualified as experts. Do they?

Under Rule 701 of the American Federal Rules of Evidence, a witness is not testifying as an expert, if the witness testimony is limited to one that is (a) rationally based on the witness’s perception; (b) helpful to clearly understanding the witness’s testimony or to determining a fact in issue; and (c) not based on scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge.

Lay testimony has surprising breadth.

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Expert Witness Report: A Detailed Analysis of Income for Support

By Dave Oswald, Vice-President ACFI

In a pivotal family law case, the Applicant seeks to reduce his temporary child and spousal support payments to his child's mother, the Respondent, originally ordered on April 13, 2021. The couple, who married in 1996 and separated in 2015, have three children, with their youngest, 15-year-old Chase Galea, requiring extensive care due to cerebral palsy and severe hearing loss. This case involves complex financial assessments to determine the appropriate level of support. Both parties have submitted multiple expert reports to establish the Applicant's income.

Two Alleged Members of a Transnational Money Laundering Organization Arrested for Laundering Millions of Dollars in Drug Proceeds

Two alleged members of a transnational money laundering organization were arrested on criminal charges related to their alleged involvement in a scheme to launder millions of dollars in illegal drug proceeds for Mexican drug trafficking organizations, including the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels (also known as CJNG).

Expert Witness Skills Workshop

Monday July 15 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET

Dive into the world of Moot Court Trials where you can gain invaluable real-life skills to excel as an Expert Witness. Immerse yourself in a realistic courtroom environment that will push you to your limits and provide the perfect platform to challenge yourself. Receive constructive feedback from Industry Experts that will help you grow and refine your abilities. Whether you are looking to practice your existing skills or refresh your knowledge, this experience promises to be both enriching and rewarding.

non- members $150, affiliates: $135 & members: $120

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New Career Opportunity this Month

The Enforcement Branch of the Ontario Securities Commission is looking for a Senior Forensic Accountant to join the Office of the Whistleblower (OWB) to assist in administering the OSC Whistleblower Program (Program). The Program is the first whistleblower program by a Canadian securities regulator that pays awards of up to $5 million for tips that lead to impactful enforcement action. OWB is a unit within the OSC’s Enforcement Branch that is made up of a specialized team of accountants, lawyers and professional support staff.