MLA David Eby calls for police investigation into New Coast Realty

B.C. NDP MLA David Eby has asked Vancouver and Richmond police to launch a criminal investigation into a real estate firm accused of violating the province's real estate regulations.

A Globe and Mail investigation alleged that the owner of New Coast Realty coached real estate agents to deceive clients in order to pocket additional money for themselves.

"Realtors were allegedly trained to get sellers to sell for the lowest price so that New Coast could allegedly sell the properties not once, but twice to take extra commissions," Eby said. 

In a letter addressed to Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer, Eby said those allegations amount to organized fraud.

"Many of the people who would be affected by these activities wouldn't have known this happened. Based on this fact, the police would have to do the investigation because the people wouldn't be going to Supreme Court," Eby said. 

VPD spokesman Const. Brian Montague said although officers do investigate criminal matters brought to their attention, "Incidents involving other irregularities or conduct that does not fall under the Criminal Code would likely be referred to a regulatory body such as the B.C. Real Estate Council or FICOM."

The Real Estate Council of B.C. issued licence conditions to the brokerage last week following the allegations. 

The council recently issued an interim report from its independent advisory group, which is examining allegations of shadow flipping and double ending in Metro Vancouver's red-hot housing market. 

Eby has also asked Premier Christy Clark to request an investigation.

With files from Richard Zussman​