January 23, 2015

The failed Caribbean casino deal

William McDowell was quoted on behalf of Mr. Michael DeGroote in the Globe and Mail and the National Post on January 23, 2015 regarding the bitter dispute over a US$112-million investment in Caribbean casinos which placed one of Canada's wealthiest businessmen, at the centre of bizarre accusations of Mafia exploitation, death threats and fraud.

"A bitter dispute over a US$112-million investment in Caribbean casinos has placed Michael DeGroote, one of Canada's wealthiest businessmen, at the centre of bizarre accusations of Mafia exploitation, death threats and fraud...

...In hindsight, Mr. DeGroot 'regrets and is embarrassed by his decisions to have made loans in relation to this project,' said William McDowell, a Toronto lawyer acting on Mr. DeGroote's behalf.

'The court decisions reflect that Mr. DeGroote has been targeted by a series of unscrupulous people. He has been the victim of wrongdoing at every stage of this matter,' he said."