FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 27, 2024

COURT OF KING’S BENCH ORDERS JAIL SENTENCE FOR BRET ALLAN DOBBIN APPEAL

 Winnipeg – The Manitoba Financial Services Agency - Securities Commission (MSC).  Bret Allan Dobbin has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for his involvement in a scheme that defrauded an elderly victim of over $500,000. The Court of King’s Bench overturned Dobbin’s original sentence of 15 months house arrest following an appeal filed by the MSC.

Dobbin pled guilty to 50 charges laid by the MSC, which included trading in securities without registration and acting as a mortgage broker. These offenses were committed in connection with his exploitation of the victim’s trust and financial resources.

On January 16, 2024, the Court of King’s Bench sentenced Dobbin to 15 months house arrest.
The MSC appealed this decision, arguing that a jail sentence was more appropriate given the severity of the offenses and Dobbin’s history of similar misconduct for which he was sanctioned by the MSC.

The appeal court agreed with the MSC’s position and ordered Dobbin to serve 18 months in jail. He received credit for six months already served under house arrest during the appeal process.

“This case underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable Manitobans from financial exploitation and holding offending individuals accountable for their actions,” says Chris Besko, Executive Director of the MSC. “Dobbin’s repeated targeting of elderly victims demonstrates a blatant disregard for his victims and the law.”

The November 26, 2024, Appeal Decision is attached. An online version of this release will be updated once the decision is made available on Canlii.

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For Media Inquiries:                             
Marko Bilandzija,
Manager, Education & Communications (Acting)
Marko.bilandzija@gov.mb.ca | 204-945-4733
1-800-655-5244 (Manitoba only)