After 5-Yr. Probe, No Charges In Computer Leasing Scandal That Rocked City Hall

After conducting a five-year investigation into the computer leasing scandal that rocked City Hall, provincial police won’t lay any criminal charges.

The lengthy probe conducted by the OPP was in response to a report by Justice Denise Bellamy, who headed the inquiry into allegations of bribery, conflict of interest and misappropriation of funds in the $43 million computer leasing contract between the city of Toronto and MFP Financial Services that swelled to $100 million.

In her report, Justice Bellamy claimed there was credible evidence former city councillor and budget chief Tom Jakobek received $25,000 from MFP top salesman Dash Domi – former Maple Leaf Tie Domi’s brother – to extend the company’s contract with the city.

Toronto Police requested the provincial force look into the matter to avoid any perceived conflict of interest.

On Monday, authorities announced no charges would be laid.

“I want to thank Chief Bill Blair and the Ontario Provincial Police for their consideration of this matter.

“While the investigation recommends no formal charges, the scandal and the resulting inquiries shed light on a truly regrettable breach of the public trust that should never have happened.

“I’m proud that prior to or since 2005 when Madame Justice Bellamy’s comprehensive report was released, the City has reviewed or acted on all 241 recommendations. Action to implement five outstanding recommendations will be completed by the end of this year.

“Among steps taken to date:

• Tougher lobbying guidelines and controls through the introduction of a Lobbying By-law, Lobbyist Registry and Lobbyist Registrar
• Strengthening of the City’s Purchasing Policy.
• The introduction of the Toronto Public Service Guide for City employees, which includes strong guidance on staff ethics.
• More than 2,000 senior management have participated in the City’s Mission, Values and Ethics workshop.
• The introduction of the policy framework for Toronto’s accountability officers.
• The implementation of a Management Controls Checklist for staff involved in procurement and strengthening the ability of staff to make recommendations free of political influence.
• The introduction of the I&T Division Transformation Project

The activities that are in process or planned for the future to address the outstanding recommendations include:

• A review of the application of City policies to Members and their staff.
• Revising the employee Conflict of Interest Policy to address staff publicly stating their views about organizations with which the City does business.
• Exploring a process to screen vendors on ethical issues.
• A review of expense claims policies for City employees related to off-site meals taken with commercial suppliers in the course of their duties.
•  A review of the resource requirements of the I&T Division Contract Management Office.”