As reported by CTV News, the former mayor of Laval was one of dozens of individuals arrested by Quebec’s anti-corruption squad as part of the province’s expanding municipal corruption scandal:
Gilles Vaillancourt, the former mayor of Laval, is among a group of 37 facing a slew of charges ranging from fraud to gangsterism after a series of arrests by Quebec’s anti-corruption squad early Thursday.
Vaillancourt, who appeared in a Laval court Thursday afternoon, faces two charges of gangsterism, including one related to directing a criminal organization, which carries a maximum penalty of a life sentence.
The list of 37 people picked up by police Thursday includes other politicians, political aides, lawyers and people with ties to the construction industry, including embattled construction magnate Tony Accurso who is already facing charges of fraud, conspiracy and corruption.
The story also notes that the former Laval mayor has proclaimed his innocence and vows to fight the charges laid against him.
