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Wang pleaded guilty to offences under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Criminal Code and the Income Tax Act.

A judge concluded that Wang was the “mastermind” behind the scheme and had not reported any of his income during the time in question.

In November 2015, Wang received a seven-year jail term and a fine of more than $900,000. He was released on parole last year.

The lawsuit says that in August 2003, Wang, who was 46 years old at the time of sentencing and had come to Canada in 1997 before becoming a citizen in 2000, and his wife Jin Li had purchased a property on No. 4 Road in Richmond. The four-bedroom home is currently assessed at just under $1.5 million.

Photo by Gerry Kahrmann / PNG

In December 2007, the couple bought a two-bedroom apartment at 6068 No. 3 Rd. in Richmond which is currently assessed at $760,000.

In November 2012, following the execution of search warrants by Canada Border Services Agency officials, Wang transferred his interest in both of the properties to his wife, each for $10 and “natural love and affection,” according to the writ.

The director claims that Wang transferred his interest in the homes in an effort to “hinder the plaintiff” and others from obtaining their “just and lawful” remedies flowing from the use of the properties as instruments of unlawful activity.

“No valuable consideration was given for the transfer to Ms. Jin,” says the suit. “Mr. Wang remains a beneficial owner of the No. 4 Road property and the No. 3 Road property.”