National

Canadian Businessman Jailed In Cuba On Corruption Charges Returns Home

The Canadian Press, 22 Feb, 2015 02:14 PM

VAUGHAN, Ont. — A Canadian businessman is back in Canada following more than three years in Cuba due to a prolonged legal dispute.

Cy Tokmakjian (tok-MAK'-jee-an), who founded automotive company Tokmakjian Group in Vaughan, Ont., was sentenced last September to 15 years in prison on corruption-related charges.

Tokmakjian was charged after the company's Cuban offices were raided in 2011 as the country launched an anti-graft drive and his family called the charges unfounded.

Lawyer Barry Papazian said Saturday that Tokmakjian is in "good health, fantastic spirits, and is looking forward to spending time with his family."

In a statement, Papazian thanked former foreign affairs minister John Baird, Ambassador Yves Gagnon in Cuba, and Thornhill MP Peter Kent for helping secure Tokmakjian's release.

Papazian gave no details of what led to Tokmakjian's return to Canada, but said he was welcomed home by his family, friends, and thousands of employees.

"The Tokmakjian family is sincerely thankful for the tremendous support of Canada throughout this ordeal," he said.

Tokmakjian Group had alleged the charges against its president were concocted as an excuse to seize the automotive firm's $100 million in assets in Cuba.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Via Rail terror suspect said 'we are being watched,' trial hears

TORONTO — An undercover FBI officer has told the trial of two men accused of plotting to derail a train travelling between Canada and the U.S. that one of them warned him at their first meeting that they were being watched.

Via Rail terror suspect said 'we are being watched,' trial hears

Educating Omar Khadr: 'Just doing what we do,' Christian university says

TORONTO — Taking in former Guantanamo Bay inmate and government-branded terrorist Omar Khadr as a student would dovetail perfectly with how King's University sees itself, the school says.

Educating Omar Khadr: 'Just doing what we do,' Christian university says

ICAO delegates suggest 15-minute real-time aircraft tracking as standard

MONTREAL — Member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization have recommended the adoption of a new standard that would see commercial aircraft tracked every 15-minutes.

ICAO delegates suggest 15-minute real-time aircraft tracking as standard

Cut down the corporate tax burden to help Canadian economy: study

OTTAWA — A new study is calling on the federal and provincial governments to cut corporate tax rates as a way to boost revenues and broaden the tax base.

Cut down the corporate tax burden to help Canadian economy: study

Near-century of tradition at end with Mounties taking over Hill security

OTTAWA — Nearly a century of parliamentary tradition is coming to an end with the RCMP poised to take control of security inside the Parliament Buildings.

Near-century of tradition at end with Mounties taking over Hill security

U.S. Congress honours Canadian-American WWII vets, real-life 'James Bonds'

WASHINGTON — A group of Canadian veterans received the United States' highest civilian award Tuesday for their role in a legendary military unit whose exploits dazzled moviegoers at home and tormented Nazis abroad.