The second-in-command at Quebec’s anti-corruption unit is stepping down amid allegations he recommended the purchase of shares in a company when he was working for the provincial police force.
READ MORE: UPAC denies intimidation; says investigation will continue
The head of the unit issued a statement Thursday to say Marcel Forget is quitting in order to preserve the organization’s reputation.
READ MORE: UPAC arrests Frank Zampino and six others for fraud
Le Journal de Montréal reported that five police officers or ex-officers bought shares in a firm called Newtech in 1999 and 2000 through an intermediary of Forget’s or based directly on his recommendation.
READ MORE: UPAC boss faces politicians in face of corruption allegations
The newspaper says Forget did not have a broker’s permit at the time. He was never charged.
Newtech’s objective was to come up with what was considered a state-of-the-art braking system.
READ MORE: Couillard urges UPAC to shed light on Guy Ouellette’s arrest
In his role as Robert Lafrenière’s No. 2 at the anti-corruption unit, Forget was responsible for ensuring the integrity of companies wanting to be publicly listed.