Quebec construction magnate Tony Accurso to leave business world

MONTREAL – Disgraced Quebec construction magnate Tony Accurso says he’s leaving the business world.

In a statement, he says he’s proud of having taken a construction business with 75 employees and turned it into an empire with 3,500 workers involved in a number of major building projects across the country.

But he says it’s time to retire and says his departure would be best for the business.

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Accurso – a central figure in Quebec’s ethics scandals – has headed a network of construction companies that have dominated the public-contract market in and around Montreal.

The entrepreneur was arrested twice in recent months and faces several charges including fraud, bribery and breach of trust.

Accurso’s name also surfaced recently in testimony at Quebec’s inquiry into corruption in the construction industry.

He has vigorously denied testimony that he invited Mafia boss Vito Rizzuto to settle a dispute with another construction boss when that rival wanted to compete with him for a public contract.

Earlier this month, investigators with Quebec’s tax agency executed search warrants at offices linked to Accurso.

His companies have been involved in a number of federal projects, and in construction projects in different provinces. A Canadian Press report revealed they received millions from Ottawa’s economic stimulus program for water infrastructure work in Quebec.