Paradise Lost, Milton

If we were only talking about the book, there would be little hardship involved. Unfortunately it could be used to label the latest Ponzi scheme in Canada as we read that Businessman missing as Dutch Canadians out millions.

At least 80 elderly Dutch Canadians trusted Harry Snoek Jr. with their life savings. But the money is gone. And so is Harry, possibly back in the Netherlands or maybe Qatar, leaving a trail of empty promises and despair in his wake.

By the latest tally of those who have come forward and who are trying in Ontario courts to recoup their losses, Snoek has absconded with more than $34 million. The total number of affected investors may be as high as 200.

Promissory notes and court documents obtained as part of a Toronto Star investigation, as well as interviews of investors and business partners, suggest Snoek ran a Ponzi scheme, where early investors are paid off from the contributions of later ones. The RCMP is looking into the case.

Troubling payment delays from Snoek started in 2007 with Snoek exploiting shared ties to motherland and church to ease anxieties and keep their money just a few months more, and then another few months more.

In a lawsuit filed in Brantford, a receiver was appointed who is combing through Snoek company files. The receiver may try to sell Snoek properties in Milton and spread the proceeds to investors. But it is believed that the land will fetch only a fraction of what Snoek owes.

Unfortunately paradise will not be regained.

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