Multiple companies and their owners charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and rig bids for condo refurbishment contracts in the GTA

From: Competition Bureau Canada

News release

March 29, 2021 - GATINEAU, QC - Competition Bureau

The Competition Bureau announced today that it has laid multiple criminal charges against four companies and three individuals in connection with an alleged conspiracy to commit fraud and rig bids for condominium refurbishment services in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

The following companies and individuals have each been charged under the Criminal Code with conspiracy to rig bids, conspiracy to commit fraud, and fraud over $5,000:

  • TRI-CAN Contract Incorporated and owner Bob Vlahopoulos;
  • JCO & Associates (912547 Ontario Inc.) and owner Jose De Oliveira; as well as
  • LAR Condominium Refurbishment Specialists (Lidio Romanin Construction Company Limited) and owner Tony Romanin.

A fourth company, CPL Interiors Ltd., was charged under the conspiracy provision of the Competition Act for its role in the alleged scheme.

The Bureau alleges that the accused conspired to commit fraud and rig bids for refurbishment contracts issued by private condominium corporations in the GTA between 2009 and 2014. The condominium corporations and the condominium owners who fund them are the alleged victims. Generally speaking, bid-rigging schemes result in victims paying higher prices for goods and services. 

Quotes

“Criminal conspiracies that undermine competitive markets can cause extreme damage to our economy. The message should be loud and clear: if you enter into criminal agreements with your competitors, we will do everything in our power to uncover the facts and bring the evidence to court.”  

Matthew Boswell
Commissioner of Competition

Quick facts

  • Cracking down on cartels is a top priority for the Competition Bureau, and it will continue to vigorously pursue all those who participate in criminal agreements with their competitors.

  • Those who believe they are involved in an illegal agreement with their competitors can come forward to seek immunity or leniency in return for their cooperation with the Bureau’s investigation through its Immunity and Leniency Programs.

  • The Bureau also has a Whistleblowing Initiative for those who believe they can provide information about a possible violation of the Competition Act. The Bureau will keep the identity of a whistleblower confidential.

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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.

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