A Manitoba man facing trial on 26 fraud charges connected to past shipping-container pool businesses is now operating a new company offering a similar product under a different name. Former customers allege they paid tens of thousands of dollars for pools that were never delivered.

A Manitoba man charged with dozens of fraud-related offences connected to past shipping-container pool businesses is now promoting a new company offering similar products under a different name.

Kurt Wittin is facing trial on 26 counts of fraud over $5,000 and one count of obstruction of justice. The charges relate to complaints involving previous businesses that sold shipping-container pools. The allegations have not yet been proven in court.

According to CBC News, Wittin is now connected to a new business called Capitol Manufacturing, which offers shipping-container pools. The public-facing contact for the company is listed as Kurt Martin. CBC reported that Kurt Martin is the same person as Kurt Wittin, using his legal middle name as a surname.

The new company has been incorporated at the same address as Wittin’s previous pool businesses, which included Kustom Container Builders, Swiss Coast Pools, Seventeen Pools, and 204 Container Homes & Pools.

Capitol Manufacturing’s website reportedly claims more than 14 years of experience building container pools. Manitoba corporate records reviewed by CBC show that a related company name was registered in October 2024, approximately one week before Wittin was first charged with fraud.

The company advertises custom shipping-container pools starting at around $40,000 for a 20-foot model. It has also placed ads in major newspapers, promoting fast installation and design services.

Former customers of Wittin’s past businesses have alleged that they paid large sums for pools that were never completed or delivered. CBC reported that more than a dozen former customers have described complaints involving his previous companies. Some have also participated in online groups warning others about their experiences.

Wittin has also been involved in civil litigation related to undelivered pools, including at least one successful claim against him.

CBC reported that it asked Wittin why he was using another name and why he had started a similar business while issues involving past businesses remained unresolved. His lawyer responded that because the matters are before the court, Wittin was unable to engage with the media.

CBC also reported that it had not spoken with any customers of Capitol Manufacturing.

The case raises concerns about how consumers can assess risk when a business owner facing unresolved fraud allegations launches a new company in the same industry. It also highlights the importance of checking corporate records, litigation history, online reviews, and payment terms before making large deposits for custom products.

For consumers, the risk is particularly acute in industries involving expensive, made-to-order goods. When a buyer pays a large deposit before delivery, the financial harm can be significant if the product is delayed, incomplete, or never provided.

The criminal charges against Wittin remain before the court, and his trial is scheduled to begin later this year.

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Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.