The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has clarified that it is not currently investigating allegations of political interference in the handling of criminal charges against engineering firm SNC-Lavalin. This statement comes after a recent response to an access to information request, which mistakenly suggested that an investigation was underway.
In 2015, SNC-Lavalin Group and its affiliates, SNC-Lavalin Construction and SNC-Lavalin International, faced charges of corruption of a foreign public official and fraud related to their business dealings in Libya.
Seeking to avoid severe penalties, SNC-Lavalin had pushed for a remediation agreement, also known as a special settlement, through negotiations with the director of prosecutions. They were concerned that a conviction on criminal charges could lead to a ten-year ban on federal contracts.
Early in 2019, The Globe and Mail reported that aides to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had exerted pressure on Jody Wilson-Raybould, who was serving as the federal attorney general at the time, to secure a deal that would prevent prosecution. Following these allegations, Wilson-Raybould resigned from her cabinet position and was subsequently removed from the Liberal caucus.
In August 2019, the federal ethics watchdog concluded that Trudeau had violated the Conflict of Interest Act in his handling of the SNC-Lavalin affair. However, in response to questions from The Canadian Press, the RCMP confirmed that its sensitive and international investigations unit had conducted an assessment regarding the allegations of political interference.
The RCMP’s investigation involved gathering information from various sources and conducting a thorough and objective review of the matter.
“After a comprehensive and impartial assessment of all available information, the RCMP determined that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate a criminal offence and the file was concluded,” they said.
The force communicated this decision to the original complainant through a letter in January.
It’s important to note that in December 2019, an agreement was reached with SNC-Lavalin Construction, where they pleaded guilty to a charge of fraud over $5,000. The company agreed to pay a penalty of $280 million and adhere to a three-year probation order, while the remaining charges were stayed.
Information for this story was found via CP24 and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses
