Ex-Quebec construction boss Lino Zambito pleads guilty to charges

SAINT-JEROME, Que. — A former construction entrepreneur who became a star whistleblower at Quebec’s corruption inquiry has pleaded guilty to criminal charges.

Lino Zambito’s pleas came as his trial was slated to begin in Saint-Jerome on Wednesday.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

He pleaded guilty to six charges including fraud, conspiracy and intimidation stemming from contracts awarded in Boisbriand, north of Montreal.

Zambito will have to wait until Sept. 29 for sentencing arguments as the trial for a co-accused began today.

He is best known for his 2012 testimony at Quebec’s Charbonneau Commission where he described a cartel-like structure that drove up the cost of projects in Montreal and Laval.

Zambito told the inquiry that businessmen were paying kickbacks to municipal parties and paying a cut to the Mafia.