Winnipeg company sues Quebec firm over fraudulent transfers

A Winnipeg company, Telpay Inc., is suing a Quebec business, Construction Marachelian, for allegedly making fraudulent electronic fund transfers. The lawsuit was filed in Manitoba on March 12. Telpay is asking the court to freeze funds in a bank account linked to these transactions and is seeking over $117,000 in damages. Telpay claims that Construction Marachelian and its owner, referred to in court as John Doe, provided fake information to secure an account. The company provides electronic payment services across Canada. They became suspicious after noticing discrepancies in the information given for the account. According to the lawsuit, Construction Marachelian made three large transfers using Telpay, totaling around $117,000, which were deposited into a Scotiabank account in Montreal. Telpay grew concerned when they noticed that the physical address provided by the Quebec company matched that of another business. The lawsuit also highlights that John Doe requested to increase transaction limits, which raised further red flags. Telpay attempted to recall one of the payments but was unsuccessful. Telpay is asking the court for a declaration that the funds belong to them and seeks a restraining order to prevent any payments from the Scotiabank account until the case is resolved. They also want Scotiabank to reveal the real name and address of the account holder. Scotiabank has not commented on the ongoing legal matter. Telpay's lawyer has declined to make a statement about the case. The allegations in the lawsuit have not yet been tested in court.