The former vice-president of a major Quebec crane company was arrested Tuesday evening as part of a crackdown on an alleged money-laundering ring involving construction firms.
Louis-Pierre Lafortune, 40, is from Lachenaie northeast of Montreal. He was taken into custody upon arrival from the United States at Trudeau airport.
Lafortune was among four people still being sought in the ring, which police say used threats and extortion to take over bricklaying companies in the Montreal region.
Stuffed payroll, funnelled cash
Police say ringleaders put members of criminal organizations on the payroll and would funnel the money to overseas accounts.
The head of the organization is believed to be Normand Marvin Ouimet, the Hells Angels boss in Trois-Rivieres who has been on the run for most of the year.
Also being sought are Daniel Lafond, 40, of Repentigny, and Fran�ois Boivin, 50, of Longueuil.
Police have issued arrest warrants for a total of 20 people, 11 of whom have been arrested under Project Diligence.
Among those facing charges are businesspeople, accountants, a real-estate agent and a member of the FTQ union, the largest in Quebec.
