UPAC raids homes of former top City Hall members Robert Abdallah and Frank Zampino

MONTREAL – Frank Zampino and Robert Abdallah were the subjects of an investigation by the anti-corruption squad on Wednesday.

The two men were influential members at Montreal City Hall over parts of the last decade, but recently they’ve both been on the hot seat.

Both men have been the subject of serious allegations at the Charbonneau Commission, accused of taking bribes while in office.

They still deny the accusations.

Zampino was arrested last year in one case, but both men maintain they’ve never done anything wrong.

Abdallah called a news conference in 2012 to prove his innocence.

“I defy, I defy anyone who can come and prove and say he gave me one penny,” he said.

The anti-corruption squad may have reason to believe otherwise.

Police raided Abdallah’s home in Pierrefonds and Zampino’s residence in St-Leonard.

There were no arrests.

One report suggests the investigation could be in relation to the awarding of the controversial water meter contract.

In 2012, star witness Lino Zambito testified that former City Manager Abdallah once received a $300,000 kickback.

Then in 2013, the inquiry showed photos of Abdallah in the company of controversial construction boss Tony Accurso.

Accurso’s home was also raided Wednesday.

The anti-corruption squad executed about 10 search warrants in and around the Montreal area.

The largest concentration of police officers was in Outremont at the home of 50 year old Frank Minicucci.

The construction executive also has links to Accurso and was once considered his right hand man.

Neighbours describe Minicucci as someone who enjoyed a lavish lifestyle.

“He has a big Porsche Turbo and the lady of the house has a Land-rover,” said one neighbour.

None of the men targeted Wednesday spoke to reporters, but Abdallah’s son did, saying he’s “not worried” for his father.