RCMP probe corruption allegations at Calgary city hall; warrants executed on former mayor, councillors
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An RCMP-led corruption investigation is underway and search warrants were executed on a number of properties including the homes of former mayor Jyoti Gondek, former councillor Sean Chu and sitting councillor Andre Chabot.
Details on the situation come from multiple sources with knowledge of the investigation. CBC News has agreed to protect their identities because they are not authorized to comment publicly.
According to those sources, several search warrants and production orders were executed last week including one on a local business.
In the course of those warrants, former mayor Jyoti Gondek’s home was searched and her cell phone was seized.
“I have been fully co-operative and respect the legal process,” said Gondek in a written statement provided to CBC News.
“At the same time this has been very invasive and my lawyer and I will be reviewing it closely to ensure [the search] was justified.”
Chu, Chabot homes also searched
Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot’s home was also subject to a search and cellphone seizure as was the home of former Ward 4 Coun. Sean Chu.
“My client has been co-operative throughout and respects the legal process,” said Chu’s lawyer Shamsher Kothari in a written statement.
“No charges have been laid and I look forward to a swift conclusion of this investigation.”
The sources say the investigation relates to allegations of corruption involving a business.
No charges have been laid.
Chabot ‘fully complying’ with RCMP
Speaking to reporters outside council chambers on Tuesday, Chabot confirmed his phone was seized last Thursday by the RCMP, but said he has no idea what the investigation is about.
“I was asked to provide my devices for them to look at to gather evidence,” he said. “That’s about as much as I know … I’m hoping that somehow it will result in something that they can utilize.
“I was completely surprised. I had no idea why they had to do a warrant. I was more than happy to have given them my phones if they’d have just asked.”
Chabot said he was not questioned at all, and he does not believe he is under investigation.
“I’m fully complying, I have nothing to hide,” he said.
Chabot also said he was not contacted by the RCMP prior to them executing a search warrant.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas said he has not been contacted by police. He declined to provide further comment.
Defence lawyer Alain Hepner confirmed that he has been retained to act for Chabot.
“He has nothing to hide and is fully co-operating with the authorities,” said Hepner in a brief statement.
WATCH | Calgary councillor speaks to reporters about investigation:
Coun. Andre Chabot asked about RCMP investigation
Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot was asked what he knows about a corruption investigation at Calgary city hall and why RCMP seized his cellphone.
Calgary Police Service spokesperson Emma Poole confirmed that CPS received a related complaint in October 2025 but handed the investigation over to RCMP.
“To protect the integrity and confidentiality of the ongoing investigative process, no further details will be released at this time,” said Poole in a brief written statement.
RCMP spokesperson Fraser Logan said the investigation is being handled by its Federal Policing Northwest Region unit, which handles cases involving politicians.
A media spokesperson for RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region confirmed its “ongoing investigation relating to a referral we received from Calgary Police Services in October 2025.”
“To protect the integrity of this ongoing investigation, we have no further comment at this time.”
