RBC failing Montreal Ponzi victims, protesters say

Two years after the Earl Jonesfinancial fraudwas uncovered, more than 100people gatheredin Montreal on Saturday to protest what they describe asRoyal Bank of Canada's intransigence in their class action case.

The protesters at a Royal Bank branch in Montreal's West Island held signs saying "don't write us off" and "RBC knew and did nothing."

Last July, a Quebec judge certified a class action lawsuit against the Royal Bank of Canada launched by Jones's victims.

One protester told Radio-Canada thatSaturday's rally was organized to put pressure on the bank to do more to helpthe victims.

The bank has offeredvictims a $12.5-million settlement but the protesters saidvictims willcontinue to seek the $40 million outlined in their lawsuit.

Thesuit before the Superior Court of Quebec allegesRBC's Beaconsfield branch, where Jones conducted most of his business, wasaware that Jones was exploiting his personal account for his financial dealings.

Hedeposited cheques with double endorsements and forged signatures.

Jonespleaded guilty to fraud in January 2010.

The former Montreal financial adviseris serving 11 years in jail for fraud after he bilked hisonetime clients out of an estimated $50 million over a decade. The scheme he was operating was revealed during the summer of 2009.

The suit's petitioner is Virginia Nelles, whose brother and mother lost almost $1 million after investing it with Jones.

Several victims lost their life savings and have never reclaimed any of their money. Some victims lost their homes.

Last year, an RBC spokesperson said the bank was also a victim of the scam.

"We were deceived by Earl Jones just as his clients were," Gillian McArdle said. "Until 2009, there was nothing to signal that Mr. Jones was anything but a legitimate and a successful businessman."