The Toronto Police Service says its Monetary Crimes Unit is investigating former Unifor President Jerry Dias after the union handed over cash he allegedly accepted from a provider of COVID-19 speedy check kits he promoted to members.
“The investigation is in its preliminary levels and we’d not touch upon specifics presently, as to not compromise the investigation,” Police spokesperson Laura Brabant stated in an e-mail to The Canadian Press.
Unifor stated on Monday that it turned over to the Toronto Police Service the cash the union says was given by a 3rd social gathering to Dias and led to an investigation into his conduct. Unifor has refused to call the provider and Dias dedicated to enter a rehabilitation facility within the wake of the incident.
Dias allegedly accepted $50,000 from a provider of COVID-19 speedy check kits that he, or employees below his route, had promoted to varied Unifor employers in December 2021 and January 2022.
On March 14, Unifor disclosed an ongoing “unbiased exterior investigation” into the previous president for an alleged breach of its structure. On the time, it shared no particulars in regards to the nature of the allegation, however stated the investigation began Jan. 26, with Dias being notified of it Jan. 29.
Unifor handed the cash over to police April 4.
“It would now be for Toronto Police to determine whether or not to analyze any matter related to that cash, and Unifor has no position in that call,” the union stated in an announcement. “Unifor just isn’t making additional public touch upon this matter presently.”
It’s alleged that Dias gave a Unifor worker half of the $50,000 he’s stated to have accepted, telling the worker that it had come from the provider. That member turned the cash into the union, triggering an investigation. The union says the incident didn’t contain any Unifor funds.
Unifor says that an unbiased, exterior investigator decided that “on a stability of possibilities the interplay with the provider breached Article 4, Code of Ethics and Democratic Practices, of the Unifor Structure.”
Based mostly on the findings, Dias now stands charged with violating the Unifor Structure.
As outlined within the union’s structure, a listening to might be held earlier than the Nationwide Government Board (NEB) the place Dias might be supplied the chance to current data and arguments regarding the cost.
Dias retired after 8 ½ years as Unifor president March 11, citing ongoing medical issues. He was already on depart from the union’s prime job, having stepped away to take care of well being points Feb. 6.
Dias on March 23 instructed Automotive Information Canada he can be coming into rehabilitation for an habit to painkillers and alcohol, which he stated he used to deal with a sciatic nerve drawback, and wouldn’t be making additional statements.
The Canadian Press and David Kennedy of Automotive Information Canada contributed to this report.