A Langley-based real estate developer is in B.C. Supreme Court today (Thursday) for an extradition hearing on allegations of fraud in the United States.
Mark John Chandler’s hearing started at about 10 a.m. in the Vancouver courthouse, and is expected to go on for much of the day.
Chandler is facing allegations of fraud related to a proposed highrise condo development called Hill Street in Los Angeles.
According to B.C. Supreme Court documents, an FBI investigation was conducted in an alleged fraudulent scheme. The events in question took place between 2008 and 2011.
The FBI alleges Chandler made false misrepresentations to various investors, wrote cheques that bounced to several people, and created a fake $8.8-million cheque made out to himself to show to investors.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
A lawyer for Chandler has already argued that there is insufficient evidence for extradition.
Chandler is best known in Langley for the Murrayville House condo development, which was put under the control of a receiver in October.
The Bowra Group is currently sorting out ownership of the units.
The project was expected to have been completed in 2016. Construction was repeatedly delayed but largely wrapped up last fall.
Mr. Chandler has refused to comment in respect of both the Murrayville House project located in Langley, or the California allegations.
• Stay tuned to the Langley Advance for more on today’s hearing