Ian Thow’s vacation is being extended.
The Parole Board of Canada has approved the convicted fraudster’s request to have a week’s trip to Mexico in October extended by two days.
Thow will now have a nine-day trip.
In a written ruling, obtained by the Times Colonist, the board concluded the extension did not constitute an undue risk.
The decision noted Thow’s community parole officer has indicated the former financial adviser “continues to demonstrate accountability and stability since being directed on full parole in October 2012.”
The decision also notes Thow has started to make monthly payments as part of court ordered restitution (Thow must pay $3.8 million), participates in psychological sessions and meets with spiritual advisers.
According to the decision, Thow is assessed as presenting a low risk to re-offend.
“You have demonstrated a period of stability on parole and you have the support of your case management team. After a review of your file, the board notes your compliance, accountability and your commitment to reintegration as a law abiding citizen,” the decision says.
The reason for Thow’s trip to Mexico was redacted from the decision.
There is no mention of how he is paying for the trip, and there is no information available as to what kind of income he is earning and how much his monthly restitution payments are.
Thow, who worked as an investment adviser in Victoria, was convicted in March 2010 of defrauding 20 former clients of $8 million. He was released from prison in October 2012 after serving less than a third of a nine-year prison sentence. His parole runs until March 3, 2017.
The conditions of Thow’s parole include not being allowed to live with someone in an intimate relationship without the knowledge of his parole supervisor, having to provide documented financial information as scheduled by his supervisor and to remain gainfully employed, actively looking for work or pursuing academic upgrading at all times.
