The RCMP's National Division Sensitive and International Investigations charged Rajvinder Singh Grewal, a former Member of Parliament for the federal riding of Brampton-East, with four (4) counts of Breach of Trust contrary to Section 122 of the Criminal Code, and one (1) count of Fraud Over $5,000 contrary to Section 380(1) of the Criminal Code.  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.

By PD Raj – Senior Writer DESIBUZZCanada

BRAMPTON – Former Liberal MP Rajvinder “Raj” Grewal has been charged with fraud after a criminal investigation by the RCMP.

 The RCMP's National Division Sensitive and International Investigations charged Rajvinder Singh Grewal, a former Member of Parliament for the federal riding of Brampton-East, with four (4) counts of Breach of Trust contrary to Section 122 of the Criminal Code, and one (1) count of Fraud Over $5,000 contrary to Section 380(1) of the Criminal Code.

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.

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 would also like to take this opportunity to thank 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 6th, 2020.

Last year, Grewal resigned from the Liberal caucus and his seat in the House of Commons over a gambling addiction and significant personal debts.

“Earlier this week, 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,” PMO spokeswoman Chantal Gagnon said at the time. “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."

In addition, the PMO said it was aware that the RCMP had made “inquiries” in relation to a complaint to the Ethics Commissioner about Grewal earlier this year.

In that case, NDP MP Charlie Angus asked the commissioner to investigate whether Grewal violated the conflict-of-interest code for bringing a business associate with him as part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s delegation to India.

Grewal said at the time that it’s a decision he has struggled with and made with "great difficulty and real sadness."

Commenting on Grewal’s departure at the time, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he learned Wednesday that Grewal was facing “serious personal challenges,” and that while it may have been a tough decision, it was the right one, reported CTV News.

 “I hope he receives the support he needs,” Trudeau said in the statement.

The rookie MP was first elected in 2015 and has held roles as a committee member on the House of Commons Health, Finance, and Government Operations committees.

Grewal had been re-nominated by the Liberal Party to seek re-election in 2019.