Criminal Charges Laid Against a Company and Six Individuals Involved in Bid-rigging Scheme

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 2, 2014) - Competition Bureau

Criminal charges have been laid against one company and six individuals for their alleged roles with respect to a bid-rigging conspiracy relating to federal government contracts for the supply of professional information technology (IT) services to Library and Archives Canada (LAC), worth a total of $3.5 million.

The evidence suggests that Microtime Inc., Stephen Forgie, Linda Graham and John Cassandra conspired to rig bids for IT services from April to September 2009. Stephen Forgie and Linda Graham were employees of Microtime Inc. and John Cassandra, currently residing in the United States, was the owner of Microtime Inc. at the time of the offences. They have been charged with bid-rigging under the Competition Act.

The other individuals, Barney Shum, Sylvie Béland and Marie-Claude Renaud, who were allegedly involved in the conspiracy while employed by LAC, have been charged under subsection 80(1) of the Financial Administration Act for allegedly making opportunity for another person to defraud the government. Barney Shum was a Director at LAC during the time of the offences, while Sylvie Béland and Marie-Claude Renaud are former managers.

Quick Facts

• The Bureau began investigating this cartel in 2009 when the matter was brought to its attention by LAC.

• The Bureau's investigation benefitted from cooperation under the Bureau's Immunity Program.

• The Bureau will not hesitate to take action against alleged bid-riggers when it uncovers evidence that suggests they have broken the law, including those outside our jurisdiction.

Quote

"These actions clearly illustrate the Bureau's commitment to pursue those who allegedly engage in anti-competitive behaviour that harms Canadian consumers and businesses."

Associated Links

• Immunity Program

• Leniency Program

• Presentation: Bid-rigging: Awareness and Prevention

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The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.