CIBC has filed a lawsuit to stop employee defections to a new investment dealer run by the brokerage’s former head.

CIBC has accused David Kassie, who left his post as chief executive of CIBC World Markets in February of last year, and five other former employees of breaching contractual duties to the bank by luring away top talent to Genuity Capital Markets.

The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in a Toronto court.

According to a statement by CIBC, Kassie and others used CIBC World Markets’ resources to set up the rival business, using confidential client and employee information.

“There is extensive evidence of the defendants taking measures aimed at concealing their misconduct from the plaintiffs,” the bank said in its statement of claim.

Genuity Capital and three partner companies are also liable, the bank said.

The bank is seeking an injunction to stop Kassie and four other defendants from soliciting CIBC employees, to keep them from using CIBC’s confidential information, and to return any information that they have removed from bank premises.

At least 15 CIBC employees have departed for Genuity in the past month.