A British Columbia woman, Alicia Valerie Davenport, has agreed to provide details about the origin of the funds used to purchase a Salt Spring Island home for $1 million. The province alleges the money may be linked to a significant U.S. stock fraud scheme. Instead of contesting a court order demanding an explanation for the wealth, Davenport has entered into a consent agreement.
Key Takeaways
- A B.C. woman is cooperating with authorities to explain the source of $1 million used to buy a Salt Spring Island property.
- The home purchase is allegedly connected to a U.S. $165-million pump-and-dump stock fraud.
- The woman has agreed to a consent order rather than fight an "unexplained wealth order."
- This case is part of B.C.'s broader efforts to combat financial crimes and money laundering.
Unexplained Wealth Order
The province had sought an "unexplained wealth order" against Davenport as part of a civil forfeiture suit. Such an order, if approved by the court, shifts the burden of proof to the defendant to demonstrate the legitimate source of funds used to acquire assets when criminal activity is suspected. The Salt Spring Island property, purchased outright in November 2017, is now valued at $1.639 million by the provincial assessor.
Davenport's Explanation
Davenport, who was listed as a homemaker at the time of the property purchase, claims the funds originated from a divorce settlement. As part of the consent agreement, she has committed to providing information and records related to the acquisition and upkeep of the home. She has been given until mid-December 2025 to submit this information.
B.C.'s Anti-Money Laundering Efforts
Unexplained wealth orders are a component of new legislation introduced by the B.C. NDP government in 2023, aimed at tackling money laundering and other financial crimes. This is one of four such orders the province has filed. The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General stated that information provided under these orders is not made public. The province has seen success in two other unexplained wealth order cases, involving funds in a lawyer's trust account and assets linked to an alleged illegal cannabis operation.
Legal Strategy
Court filings indicate that Davenport's legal team had initially argued that the unexplained wealth order was unnecessary, suggesting the information could be obtained through standard discovery processes. However, they later agreed to the consent agreement to avoid protracted legal battles, stating their client had "no interest in wasting time and expense arguing over the issue."
