House Linked to $3-Million UBC & Coastal Health Embezzlement Quietly Hits Market

Estate of late financial clerk Diane Duval lists Richmond split-level for $1.48 million as creditors circle; universities and health officials say sale proceeds should repay taxpayers.

Quick Take

• Property: 1970s four-bedroom at 9731 Greenlees Road, Richmond

• List price: $1.48 million

• Backstory: Tied to 2000-2011 frauds that siphoned ~$3 million from both the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority

• Key detail: Principal embezzler Diane Duval died in 2012 while lawsuits were still before the courts; family held title via bare-trust agreement

• Creditors: UBC and VCH still pursuing unpaid judgments worth ~$1.6 million plus interest

From Payroll Clerk to Seven-Figure Fraud

Court files show Duval worked in low-level finance roles at both UBC’s Learning Exchange program and later at Vancouver Coastal Health, gaining signing authority over petty-cash and vendor reimbursements.
2000-2011: She issued 240+ false cheques and electronic transfers to personal accounts.
Total proven take: $2.97 million.
The scam unravelled only after independent audits flagged duplicate vendor names.

A Lawsuit Interrupted by Death

• February 2012: UBC files civil claim; VCH launches a parallel action.

• July 2012: Duval dies of cancer at 48. Litigation pauses; estate placed in probate.

• 2015 BCSC ruling: Judge Clare Shabbits orders Duval estate to repay $2.2 million, noting “egregious breach of fiduciary trust.” Only $600k recovered via frozen accounts and vehicle auction.
  Remaining shortfall now exceeds $1.6 million with statutory interest.

Why the House Matters

Land-title documents reveal the Greenlees Road property was purchased in 2007 for $638,000—during the peak fraud years.
Although title sat in Duval’s parents’ names, court affidavits cite bank records showing 100 % of the down-payment stemmed from misappropriated funds. The judge declared the house a “fraudulent conveyance,” but enforcement stalled when the parents claimed homestead exemption and filed appeals.

With both parents deceased (father 2018, mother 2023), the property has now entered estate distribution. Listing agent Melissa Chan confirms the house is being sold “as-is” to settle outstanding debts.

Creditor Strategy: Catch the Sale Proceeds

UBC spokesperson Kurt Heinrich says the university will file a caveat on title to intercept net sale proceeds in escrow. VCH’s counsel Susan Gratton notes they will “coordinate to avoid duplication,” but insist taxpayers must be repaid first.

Real-estate lawyers expect competing claims:

1. Primary charges: CRA liens for unpaid tax on the illicit income (~$210 k).

2. Secured lender: A 2010 RBC mortgage balance of $240 k.

3. Unsecured judgments: UBC & VCH totaling $1.6 m+.

4. Residual heirs: Nieces/nephews named in will.

If Greenlees sells near ask, legal fees and liens will consume much of the pot—leaving UBC and VCH likely to split a few hundred thousand, far short of the judgment.

Inside the Listing

Photos show dated shag carpet, original mahogany kitchen, and a leaking sunroom—evidence minimal upkeep has occurred since Duval’s parents’ illnesses.
Still, the 7,200-sq-ft lot sits in a desirable catchment near Richmond Christian School. Two neighbouring teardown new-builds sold for $2.1 m last year. Developers may raze it for duplex zoning under the city’s new small-lot policy.

Victim Impact Still Felt

• UBC Learning Exchange had to cut mentorship placements for 18 months after funds disappeared.

• VCH community mental-health grants were frozen in 2012 pending forensic audit.
  Staff who worked with Duval describe lingering anger: “Budgets were tight already. Her theft meant real services got slashed,” says former supervisor Nancy Mak.

Could More Assets Surface?

Court-appointed investigator PwC traced $1.1 m to Las Vegas casino wires and $420 k to “family gifts.” No other real estate found.
However, a sealed appendix hints at cryptocurrency wallets. Because Duval died pre-wallet-boom, experts doubt large holdings remain—but creditors have hired blockchain analytics firm Chainalytic Labs to be sure.

What Happens Next

1. Offer acceptance likely within weeks; house needs remediating, so flippers expected.

2. Court application by UBC/VCH to garnish proceeds set for early September.

3. Probate court will then release any surplus to remaining heirs—or order continued enforcement against other undisclosed assets.

If sale proceeds fall short, both institutions retain 10-year renewal rights on judgments, meaning future inheritances or lottery wins by Duval’s beneficiaries could still be seized.

Bottom Line

Thirteen years after the fraud was exposed, UBC and Vancouver Coastal Health are still chasing dollars. The Greenlees Road listing is their last clear shot at clawing back public funds. Whether the sale plugs the multi-million-dollar hole—or merely scratches the surface—will be decided once the “SOLD” sticker hits the sign.