The AMF, the Quebec financial regulatory body, has launched a penal proceeding in the district of Saint-Maurice. It’s filed 19 charges against Tuteur Modulaire J. C. Inc. and its two shareholders and officers, Jocelyn and Claude Lapierre.

The Lapierre brothers—who claimed to be creating a structure for growing plants—allegedly approached investors who gave them money in the form of cheques or cash to support their business. They promised to purchase company shares with the funds, but never completed their project.

At least four investors lost a total of approximately $97,000, and the AMF is seeking $125,000 in fines. The men made distributions without a prospectus and acted illegally as dealers.