Quebec Liberals face probe into corruption claims

QUEBEC — The Crown prosecutor’s office in Quebec called Tuesday for a criminal inquiry into corruption allegations made by the head of Montreal’s police union against the Quebec Liberal party.

Union head Yves Francoeur said on a Montreal radio station last week that the Crown cut short a fraud investigation into one former and one sitting Liberal party member of the legislature due to political interference.

He alleged the Crown was ready to press charges, but was blocked by someone high up in the government.

Francoeur said the investigation included wiretap and surveillance, but he did not reveal any names.

Annick Murphy, director of the Crown prosecutor’s office, said she has formally asked the deputy minister of the Public Security Department to investigate Francoeur’s claims.

Quebec provincial police will head the investigation, with help from Quebec City and Montreal police.

“The allegations are serious and we have to shed light on this affair,” said Crown spokesman Jean-Pascal Boucher.

The Liberal government was also forced to address Francoeur’s claim that he was approached in January to run as a candidate for the party in the next election.

Sylain Langis, the party’s chief organizer, vigorously denied that anyone in a position to do so made an offer to Francoeur regarding the riding of Marguerite-Bourgeoys.