THE RCMP’s National Division Sensitive and International Investigations has charged Rajvinder (Raj) Singh Grewal, a former Liberal Member of Parliament for the federal riding of Brampton East (Ontario), with four counts of breach of trust and one count of fraud over $5,000.
It is alleged that Grewal failed to report his receipt of millions in personal loans to the Ethics Commissioner, in circumstances that constitute a criminal breach of trust. It is further alleged that Grewal solicited loans for his own personal benefit in connection with the use of his public office, and that he administered his government-funded constituency office budget for his own personal benefit, under circumstances which constituted a criminal fraud or breach of trust.
The RCMP said this concludes an extensive criminal investigation which first began in September 2017, after the RCMP received proactive disclosures from the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) regarding suspicious transactions involving Grewal during his time in office.
The RCMP thanked Peel Regional Police Service for their contribution and assistance throughout the course of this investigation.
The RCMP’s National Division Sensitive and International Investigations section focuses on criminal activity that poses a threat to Canada’s government institutions, public officials, the integrity of the Crown, or that imperils Canada’s political, economic or social integrity.
Grewal is expected to appear at the Ottawa Ontario Court of Justice on October 6.
In November 2018, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Grewal resigned from the Liberal caucus and as MP because of a gambling addiction and substantial debts.
“Mr. Grewal told us that he is undergoing serious personal challenges, and that he is receiving treatment from a health professional related to a gambling problem that led him to incur significant personal debts. Based on these circumstances, we agreed that his decision to resign as Member of Parliament for Brampton East was the right one. We hope he receives the support he needs,” the PMO announced.
But Grewal changed his mind about resigning as MP and he was kicked out of the Liberal caucus. He sat as an Independent and did not run for re-election in 2019.
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