The former mayor of Canada’s 13th biggest city faces one of the Criminal Code’s most serious charges—directing a criminal organization. If he is found guilty, he could face a life sentence to be served consecutively with any other sentences he might face on 12 other corruption-related allegations.
Gilles Vaillancourt was called the King of Laval having served as mayor for 23 years. He was one of 37 people who were rounded up yesterday and charged with corruption.
The web of corruption is believed to have involved lawyers, notaries, construction bosses and engineering executives.
Corruption in the construction industry in neighbouring Montreal is the subject of a broad public inquiry and the product of a three-year investigation by the anti-corruption squad in the province of Quebec.
The mayor of Montreal, Gerald Tremblay stepped down in November while denying any wrong-doing.
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