VOSMI is a non-profit group formed by victims of the largest syndicated mortgage investment (SMI) fraud in Canadian history. We are the individuals directly impacted by the Fortress Real Developments Inc. scheme, coming together to share information, raise awareness, and support one another.

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Between 2008 and 2018, Fortress Real Developments raised over $920 million in SMI funds from 14,000 "mom & pop" investors to finance over 50 development projects. Investors were led to believe these were safe, low-risk investments, but the collapse left families facing an estimated $416 million in total losses.

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Following a lengthy investigation that began in 2018, the RCMP charged the principals of Fortress on June 22, 2022. Because of the staggering enormity of the overall case, the criminal trial was narrowed to focus strictly on two key projects: the Collier Centre in Barrie and SkyCity in Winnipeg. On May 28, 2025, the duo was found guilty of fraud, and on February 2, 2026, they were each sentenced to 5 years in prison and ordered to pay a $12.2 million fine. (Read here for further details on the trial and sentencing.) 

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Note: Rathore and Petrozza are currently appealing the decision and remain out of prison on bail pending their appeal hearing.