Close X
Monday, November 25, 2024
ADVT 
National

SNC-Lavalin Opts For Corruption Trial Before Judge Alone

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Jun, 2019 12:06 AM

    MONTREAL — Lawyers representing SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. have opted for trial by judge alone in a corruption case that has loomed over the Montreal-based engineering giant.


    The company was ordered to stand trial last May.


    The Montreal-based firm is accused of paying $47.7 million in bribes to public officials in Libya between 2001 and 2011. SNC-Lavalin, its construction division and a subsidiary also face one charge each of fraud and corruption for allegedly defrauding various Libyan organizations of $129.8 million.


    Being found guilty could have grave consequences for SNC-Lavalin because it could find itself blacklisted and shut out of lucrative federal contracts for a period of 10 years as well as undermining its international business opportunities.


    Shortly after learning that it would be ordered to stand trial, SNC-Lavalin said it intended to vigorously challenge the charges and plead not guilty.


    The company has been caught in a political controversy for months after failing to secure a deferred prosecution agreement, a kind of plea deal that would have seen the firm agree to pay a fine rather than face prosecution.


    Former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould alleged that top government officials pressured her to overrule federal prosecutors in the Libya case and negotiate a deferred prosecution agreement with the company.


    The case will return to court on Sept. 20.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Saskatchewan Takes Federal Carbon Tax Fight To Supreme Court Of Canada

    The Saskatchewan government has filed notice that it is taking its challenge of the federal carbon tax to the Supreme Court of Canada.  

    Saskatchewan Takes Federal Carbon Tax Fight To Supreme Court Of Canada

    Akshay Kumar Enjoys Wide Popularity Overseas: Study

    Akshay Kumar has secured the top spot in a list of popular Bollywood actors outside India, according to a study.

    Akshay Kumar Enjoys Wide Popularity Overseas: Study

    'Unusual Mortality Event' Declared As Grey Whales Appear On West Coast Beaches

    'Unusual Mortality Event' Declared As Grey Whales Appear On West Coast Beaches
    The American federal agency dedicated to ocean science has declared an "unusual mortality event" as the bodies of dozens of grey whales wash up on West Coast beaches in Canada and the U.S.

    'Unusual Mortality Event' Declared As Grey Whales Appear On West Coast Beaches

    Thousands Crowd Streets Around Toronto To Cheer On The Raptors In Playoff Game

    Thousands Crowd Streets Around Toronto To Cheer On The Raptors In Playoff Game
    TORONTO — Thousands of fans in the Toronto area are taking to the streets to cheer on the Raptors as the city hosts the NBA Finals for the first time.  

    Thousands Crowd Streets Around Toronto To Cheer On The Raptors In Playoff Game

    Canadian Tourist Recounts Aftermath Of Boat Collision On The Danube

    BUDAPEST, Hungary — A Canadian tourist who was on the Danube River in Budapest when two boats collided Wednesday says the experience was "surreal and "sobering".

    Canadian Tourist Recounts Aftermath Of Boat Collision On The Danube

    China Warns Canada Of 'Consequences' Of Helping US In Huawei Case

    Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang's comments Friday came after U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for the release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor.    

    China Warns Canada Of 'Consequences' Of Helping US In Huawei Case