CHATEAUGUAY – Quebec’s anti-corruption unit hit hard on the South Shore.
They moved in on Chateauguay Thursday, acting on a tip from the mayor of the small town.
UPAC arrested four men at their homes, including former municipal councilor Rene Lafrance, who now works as a real estate agent.
He was inside his home as police were seizing evidence.
His son, who works as a local firefighter and building contractor is also facing corruption charges.
The head of UPAC claimed the men arrested had attempted to bribe the mayor of Chateauguay in exchange for a high powered job at the city – all in an effort to re=zone and develop land.
“They try to take advantage,” said Robert Lafreniere, UPAC Commissioner.
“They want to give money for take advantage for a big job at the Chateauguay city.”
Close to 100 police officers, were out in full force and spent the day searching for evidence in the hopes of making more arrests in the coming days outside Eric Lafrance’s house.
“We seized $31,000 in cash and a vehicle as offence related property,” said Andre Boulanger, an SQ officer.
Lafrance’s neighbours were in shock.
“Good loving guy as far as I know,” said neighbour Nicholas Pukalo.
“He plays hockey every day after work with his sons and we get along pretty good together.”
Pukalo said Lafrance was a perfect father and neighbour, always willing to help out.
“We BBQ together and it just comes a little bit of a surprise a shock, you know?” he said.
“You don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.”
The four men arrested will appear in court in February to face a long list of charges related to corruption.
In the meantime, UPAC wants to send a clear message to all elected officials.
“Denounce to UPAC and we will take measures to protect them no problem,” said Lafreniere.
“Denounce – we need the cooperation of the elected officials.”
One of the four men arrested is Jacques Roy, Chateauguay’s former Director of Economic Development, which according to UPAC, is a clear sign that despite the ongoing commission to fight corruption, the problem persists.
Nevertheless, they are calling the arrests a victory in the fight against corruption.
Comments