Former construction contractors face 78 tax-fraud charges for work on Jewish General Hospital
Gilbert Leizerovici, Raphael Elkaim among accused in false-billing scheme
Several individuals and companies involved in construction work at the Jewish General Hospital, including Gilbert Leizerovici and Raphael Elkaim, are facing charges of tax fraud.
Leizerovici told CBC News he would plead not guilty. He did not have any further comment.
Elkaim could not immediately be reached for comment.
Quebec's anti-corruption unit (UPAC) said in all, it has filed 78 counts of tax fraud.
UPAC believes the accused, including individuals and several numbered companies, participated in a scheme to create false invoices and receive tax refunds and tax credits they weren't entitled to, in connection with work at the Jewish General Hospital.
The allegations span a period of more than three years, from March 14, 2008 to Aug. 15, 2011.
If found guilty, the accused could face a total of more than $9 million in fines, and the individuals could be incarcerated, said UPAC in a statement.
The accused are expected to appear at the Montreal courthouse on June 15 to be charged.
A spokeswoman for the Jewish General Hospital said the hospital will continue to support authorities in their investigation.
Since the case is before the courts, she said the hospital would not comment further.