Senators charged with fraud

(Update)

The senate expense scandal has now produced criminal charges.  Former Liberal Senator Mac Harb (above, left) and suspended Conservative Senator Patrick Brazeau (above, right) were each charged with fraud and breach of trust by the RCMP Tuesday.

The Senate expense scandal has taken another turn.

The RCMP launched their investigation in May of last year and looked at financial statements as far back as 2003. The mounties are also investigating the expenses of former Conservatives Mike Duffy and Pamela Wallin.   Assistant Commissioner Gilles Michaud of the RCMP left the door open to the possibility of future charges.

“I can assure you that we continue our work on other significant files. RCMP investigators continue to explore multiple leads to assertain all the facts and collect the evidence in support of these facts.”

“We will update Canadians when when our work is completed.”

Both Brazeau and Harb are expected to appear in court at a later date, although the RCMP did not specify when.