Case Overview:
The case, Pirooz v. Levi, 2024 BCSC 2149, involved Sina Salehi Pirooz and his company, 0919160 B.C. Ltd. (the plaintiffs), suing David Yair Levi (the defendant) over an investment agreement dispute. The plaintiffs alleged breaches of fiduciary duty, trust, and contract, claiming damages for mismanagement of $463,101 entrusted to Levi for investments in securities and cryptocurrency.

Legal Issues:

1. Fiduciary Duty: The court found Levi owed and breached a fiduciary duty to the plaintiffs by refusing to transfer investments as directed and liquidating them without authorization.

2. Damages Assessment: The court determined compensatory damages based on both the lost capital and lost investment opportunities.

3. Punitive Damages: The plaintiffs sought punitive damages, arguing Levi's actions were malicious and oppressive. The court denied this request, finding the compensatory damages sufficient for deterrence.

4. Costs: Special costs were awarded against Levi for reprehensible litigation conduct, including breaching multiple court orders and failing to participate meaningfully in the proceedings.

Court Award:

• Compensatory Damages: $1,296,716.45 CAD (including prior partial judgment of $174,005.74).

• Costs: Special costs for actions after June 24, 2024, due to Levi's misconduct; standard costs (scale B) for earlier actions.

Outcome:
The court penalized Levi for breach of fiduciary duty and egregious litigation behavior. He was ordered to pay over $1.29 million and substantial costs to the plaintiffs.