Former SAAQ Clerk Arrested by Quebec Anti-Corruption Commission
A former licence and registration clerk at the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) has been arrested by officers from Quebec's anti-corruption commission, marking a significant development in the province's ongoing efforts to combat public sector misconduct.
Charges and Allegations
The former employee, identified as François Dagenais, faces serious charges including:
- Unauthorized use of a computer
- Mischief with computer data
- Breach of trust
According to the Commissaire à la lutte contre la corruption (CLCC), Dagenais allegedly accessed the SAAQ's computer system to view and modify information related to one of his acquaintances and her relatives. The specialized anti-corruption force, whose mission is to prevent and combat corruption in Quebec's public sector, conducted the investigation that led to these charges.
Timeline of Events
The alleged incidents occurred between March 31, 2023, and January 26, 2024, spanning nearly ten months of unauthorized computer activity. The arrest comes less than a month after the auto-insurance board was ordered to conduct an internal audit following a budget controversy, suggesting potential systemic issues within the organization.
Legal Proceedings
Following his arrest on Monday, Dagenais was released on a promise to appear at the Montreal courthouse on May 20, where he will face the charges brought against him. The CLCC has emphasized its commitment to investigating corruption and fraud in Quebec's public institutions.
Reporting Corruption
The anti-corruption commission encourages anyone with information about reprehensible acts of corruption or fraud to come forward. Individuals can contact the CPCC by filling out its online form or calling 1-844-541-UPAC to report suspicious activities in the public sector.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges Quebec faces in maintaining integrity within its public institutions and the importance of specialized agencies like the CLCC in detecting and prosecuting misconduct. The SAAQ, as Quebec's automobile insurance board, handles sensitive personal information, making such breaches particularly concerning for public trust and data security.
