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MUHC superhospital contract fraud suspect claims he’s innocence

A glimpse of the construction site of the McGill University Health Centre superhospital site.
A glimpse of the construction site of the McGill University Health Centre superhospital site. Global News

MONTREAL – A man arrested this week in connection with the alleged $22.5 million fraud involving the awarding of Montreal’s English superhospital contract is proclaiming his innocence.

St-Clair Martin Armitage issued a statement on Wednesday, saying he’s saddened by the allegations of fraud and will vigorously defend himself.

Anti-corruption police in Quebec arrested Armitage on Tuesday at the airport in Montreal upon his arrival from England.

READ MOREAnti-corruption police nab Montreal hospital contract fraud suspect at airport

The British national had been sought by the unit, known as UPAC, since May 8 in connection with the awarding of the contract to build the $1.3 billion McGill University Health Centre.

The lucrative contract, finalized in 2010, is the subject of an alleged fraud where ex-SNC-Lavalin executives are accused of funnelling money to former McGill hospital officials Arthur Porter and Yanai Elbaz in exchange for the contract.

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Armitage is facing charges similar to the others accused – conspiracy to commit fraud, fraud and breach of trust – and was freed on bail late Wednesday.

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