Former Liberal MP Raj Grewal Seeks Damages Following Acquittal

Former Liberal Member of Parliament Raj Grewal is pursuing millions of dollars in damages from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Ontario attorney general after being cleared of allegations involving misuse of his political position.

Grewal’s legal team has filed a statement of claim in Ontario Superior Court, asserting that the RCMP’s investigation was marked by negligence, and the prosecution conducted by the Crown violated his right to a fair trial.

In 2018, Grewal departed from the federal Liberal caucus following revelations of a gambling addiction, choosing not to seek re-election in the Ontario riding of Brampton East the subsequent year.

The RCMP laid charges in 2020, accusing Grewal of four counts of breach of trust and one count of fraud exceeding $5,000. The prosecution alleged that Grewal offered access to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and assistance on immigration matters in exchange for substantial loans to cover his gambling debt.

A judge ultimately found that there was insufficient evidence for a guilty verdict and acquitted Grewal of the remaining breach of trust charges.

Grewal maintains that while he did seek financial aid from acquaintances and relatives to address his gambling losses, it was unrelated to his duties as an MP.

The statement of claim contends that the flaws in the case against Grewal were apparent early in the investigation, emphasizing that the state should not misuse the criminal justice system to pursue baseless charges.

Grewal asserts that he has endured significant and ongoing damages from the ordeal, including enduring a tarnished reputation and setbacks in his political career. He has also faced challenges in securing financing for personal and commercial ventures due to the lasting impact on his public image despite the acquittal.

The Ontario attorney general and the RCMP will have the opportunity to respond to Grewal’s claims as the legal proceedings move forward.