The former head of the construction wing of the FTQ union is in court this week over fraud charges.
A name heard often at the Charbonneau Commission into corruption in the construction industry, Jocelyn Dupuis is often cited as a man with considerable influence over major construction companies.
Union boss until 2008, Dupuis lost his job after media revealed a lavish lifestyle that included spending an average of $5000 a week in restaurant and bar tabs alone.
In court Monday, Dupuis argued the fraud case against him should be thrown out, because of a three-year delay since his arrest.
He said he considered the delay too long and that his life ended up in tailspin because of the fraud charges.
Prosecutors, however, argued that if Dupuis was so riddled, it was not due to his arrest in 2010, but rather with the company he keeps.
After leaving the FTQ, Dupuis became a consultant for controversial businessman Tony Accurso.
Dupuis was also a business partner of Raynald Desjardins, considered by many as the right-hand man for reputed Mafia boss Vito Rizzuto. Desjardins is now awaiting trial on murder charges.
Dupuis also had business dealings with Hells Angels member Normand Casper Ouimet, specifically to help him oust a rival at the FTQ.
The judge will rule on Wednesday whether the case should be thrown out due to the lengthy delay.
