Former MP Raj Grewal Set to Stand Trial

There has been some development in the former Liberal MP Raj Grewal’s trial. This week, Mr. Grewal appeared during the three-day preliminary inquiry on Monday and Tuesday, and on Wednesday he was committed to stand trial. The former MP was charged for abuse of his political position to defraud millions of dollars and misuse of his government budget.

The former MP parted ways with the Liberal back in 2018, on the basis that he has suffered from gambling addiction and did not run for re-election in his Ontario seat in Brampton East the following year. He was then charged with four counts of breach of trust and one of fraud over the amount of CA$5,000.

This Week’s Hearing

This week, Mr. Grewal was present at the hearings on Monday and Tuesday but was allowed to be absent from the one on Wednesday. The former Liberal’s next court date is November 8, when a judicial pre-trial conference will take place. The preliminary inquiry was held in court, and it was streamed live on Zoom, as members of the public were not allowed to the courtroom due to health and safety concerns.

Due to a publication ban, all evidence presented during the hearing will remain confidential. The RCMP began their investigation of Mr. Grewal in September 2017, after the department received a heads-up from the country’s Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre, also knowns as FINTRAC. After resigning, the MP explained that he borrowed money from his family and friend and that there was nothing shady with his dealings.

After leaving politics, Mr. Grewal returned to the private sector to practice law, however, then the Law Society of Ontario also opened a case to investigate his alleged crimes. However, this February the Law Society Tribunal agreed to delay Mr. Grewal’s hearing until his trial in court is concluded. The former MP was also allowed to practice law again but under restrictions and monitoring from the Law Society.

Previously, Mr. Grewal’s lawyer Nader Hasan stated that his client is struggling with compulsive gambling disorder while he borrowed money from many individuals. According to the lawyers, since 2018 the addiction was the main reason for Mr. Grewal’s behavior and he even reached out for medical treatment. The lawyer also said that the former MP is now doing significantly better than before.

Measures Taken

Mr. Grewal himself explained that he has decided to participate in self-exclusion programs with gaming authorities in Ontario and Quebec. He also told the tribunal that he has not gambled since 2018. The defendant also revealed that he became a regular at Casino du Lac Leamy in Gatineau, which is in close proximity to Parliament Hill. And his frequent visits to the property later led to gambling addiction.

Fundraising Controversy

Prior to his resignation from politics, Mr. Grewal was also involved in one more controversy after he hosted a special fundraising event in April 2018 that generated nearly CA$600,000. The event took place at Chandni Banquet Hall in Brampton, and it saw over 1,200 individuals attend it. Tickets cost CA$500, thus leading to major concern among locals, as during that time Mr. Grewal was known for his problems with gambling. However, the rumored amount was not correct, and Mr. Grewal explained that not all guests paid for their tickets.

Source: Platt, Brian “Former Liberal MP Raj Grewal committed to stand trial on breach of trust and fraud charges after preliminary hearing”, National Post, October 20, 2021