Corruption

Convicted ex-senator Lavigne to learn fate June 16

Topics: 
Corruption
Rating: 
0

Ex-Quebec MP convicted of defrauding government, breach of trust

Meagan Fitzpatrick – May 10, 2011

Former senator Raymond Lavigne will learn June 16 whether he will be put behind bars for defrauding the government and breaching the public's trust.

At a sentencing hearing in Ottawa Tuesday morning, Crown attorney Jonathan Brunet asked that the former Quebec MP and resigned senator, be sentenced to 12 to 15 months in prison for his crimes. Lavigne's lawyer, Dominic St-Laurent, wants his client to serve whatever sentence he receives in the community.

UN weather chief must step down

Topics: 
Corruption, United Nations
Rating: 
0

Abdullah Bozkurt – May 6, 2011

It is surprising to see the incumbent, two-term secretary-general of the United Nation’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) run for another term to lead the world body’s important scientific institution even after he, among others, was slapped by a UN tribunal with charges of harassment and defamation of a former employee, costing the WMO over half a million US dollars in a penalty judgment for material, emotional and other damages.

Embattled WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud, whose name was associated with corruption and embezzlement scandals, is not fit to run for another four years to lead this non-political organization, which is crucial for addressing the challenges of world climate change. Jarraud’s name does not inspire much confidence about the transparency and openness that are the key pillars advocated by the UN all over the world. In fact, he should have resigned voluntarily after putting WMO through a great ordeal due to scandals in the last decade.

Time to tighten screws on corruption of foreign officials

Topics: 
Corruption, White-collar crime, Legislation, OECD
Rating: 
3

Barrie McKenna – May 1, 2011

Canadians love to revel in their reputation as the good guys in a world of nastiness. It’s why Canadian companies and tourists proudly wave the flag on foreign soil, eager to soak up the rosy hue.

So it’s a little hard to figure out why Ottawa won’t do what virtually every other developed country does: Aggressively pursue Canadian citizens and companies who bribe foreign officials, on foreign soil.

How China’s ‘crooked consultants’ help the rich enter Canada

Topics: 
China, Corruption, Immigration
Rating: 
2

Mark MacKinnon – April 22, 2011

He is in his 50s and has spent his entire career in the quality-control department of a company owned by the Chinese government. His salary isn’t much, but he has made millions on the side – he won’t say precisely how – and now wants to emigrate to Canada.

There is a special program designed to fast-track immigrants with money to inject into the Canadian economy, but he doesn’t really qualify.

Former mayor of Boisbriand, Que., facing fraud charges

Topics: 
Corruption, Government ethics, Construction industry
Rating: 
3

Sidhartha Banerjee – April 27, 2011

MONTREAL — The former mayor of an affluent suburb north of Montreal is facing fraud charges after an investigation by Quebec’s anti-corruption squad.

Robert Poirier, an ex-mayor of Boisbriand, was arrested on Tuesday and will face charges of fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud and breach of trust.

Montreal raids target suspected fraudsters

Topics: 
Corruption, Government ethics, Construction industry
Rating: 
0

Brian Daly – April 28, 2011

MONTREAL – Quebec's permanent anti-corruption unit conducted its first large-scale raids Wednesday as it cracks down on reports of rampant fraud and kickbacks in several municipalities.

More than 100 officers carried out raids in Brossard, on Montreal's south shore, as they investigate alleged irregularities in construction contracting. The raids come a day after the former mayor of another Montreal suburb was arrested on charges of fraud, breach of trust and conspiracy. Robert Poirier was mayor of the north-shore town of Boisbriand from 1998 to 2005.

Death threats haunt CRA officials involved in corruption probe

Topics: 
Corruption, White-collar crime, Canada Revenue Agency
Rating: 
4

Daniel Leblanc – April 26, 2011

The Canada Revenue Agency has been rocked by death threats against senior investigators who have been probing allegations of corruption against former auditors at the federal tax-collection agency, police said.

Three senior CRA officials recently received tuques with an embossed skull on them, while a spouse of one of the officials received a chilling phone call at home, police officials said. The warnings started late last year, when another CRA investigator was beaten up in a parking lot after a Christmas party.

Q&A: Deloitte corruption expert criticises Canada's anti-graft laws

Topics: 
Corruption, White-collar crime, Legislation, Foreign corrupt practices legislation, Anti-corruption efforts
Rating: 
4

Luke Balleny – April 21,  2011

LONDON – Canadian companies won’t start worrying about Canadian anti-corruption laws until they are enforced more vigorously, says anti-graft expert Peter Dent.

Dent, head of Deloitte’s forensic and dispute services practice in Canada and board member of Transparency International Canada, spoke to TrustLaw this week about Canada’s anti-corruption standing and lack of enforcement.

Judge to lead Victoria, Australia watchdog plan

Topics: 
Australia, Corruption, Watchdogs
Rating: 
2

Peter Rolfe – April 17, 2011

EXCLUSIVE: A FOUR-member panel led by a former Victorian Supreme Court judge will shape Victoria's first ongoing commission into corruption.

The new Victorian corruption-fighting authority will be given unprecedented manpower, funding and permission to spy on public servants, the Baillieu Government has revealed.

Pages

Subscribe to Corruption