OPP investigation of irregular financial transactions update

ORILLIA, ON, Aug. 3 /CNW/ - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigation into irregular financial transactions between provincial government ministries and a vendor is continuing.

The investigation by the OPP's Anti-Rackets Branch is focused on irregular financial transactions between a vendor and employees of the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Ministry of Community and Social Services and two facility management companies.

On July 15, 2010, the OPP executed search warrants on the offices of the three ministries and seized a large volume of documentary and electronic records that are currently being reviewed.

The investigation by Anti-Rackets to date is focused on employees accepting benefits from a vendor. Benefits that are believed to have been received include cash, services and goods. During the competitive procurement process it is also believed that employees disclosed the amounts of bids from competitors to a vendor.

The investigation has also found instances where it is believed that inflated invoices and invoices for services not rendered were submitted by a vendor. The total value to date of offences being investigated is approximately $400,000.

As this is an ongoing criminal investigation, the OPP will be unable to provide further details at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.

For further information: Inspector Dave Ross, Deputy Director, Phone: [phone]