Shipbuilder for Toronto Ferries Faces Forgery Charges

The shipbuilder responsible for delivering Toronto’s highly anticipated $92 million electric ferries is currently facing charges of forgery and potential violations of Russian sanctions in the Netherlands, as reported by Dutch prosecutors and a spokesperson for the city.

The Netherlands Public Prosecution Service has initiated legal proceedings against international shipbuilder Damen, accusing them of bribery, forgery, and money laundering during the period spanning from 2006 to January 2017, according to a news release from April. The prosecutors claim that substantial commission payments to agents posed a risk of them engaging in bribery with local officials.

It is important to note that the allegations have not yet been tried in court. The April news release also mentioned that the company was under scrutiny for potential breaches of sanctions related to goods and technology that could enhance Russia’s military and technological capabilities and contribute to the defense and security sector, as per a translation of the Dutch announcement.

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Responding to the allegations, Damen’s spokesperson Robin Middel referred to a separate legal matter concerning the supply of ship cranes to the Russian fishing industry in early 2022. Middel stated in an email to CBC News that there had been discussions regarding the compliance with the European Union sanctions at the time. The Toronto Star initially reported the charges against Damen.

Impact on Future Tenders

Middel mentioned that the forgery case could potentially affect future tenders for Damen if the company is definitively convicted at the end of the legal process.

Assuring the City of Toronto, Middel stated that there is no reason to anticipate any repercussions for the ferry program in the upcoming years. He highlighted that Damen has made substantial investments in compliance since 2014 and has consistently maintained high standards in this regard.

Damen is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing in Zwolle, a city in northeastern Netherlands, on November 24.

WATCH | Long ferry lines frustrated many in the city last summer:

Torontonians frustrated at long lines for island ferry

July 22, 2024|

Duration 2:54

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