10 arrested in Quebec for construction crimes

Raids were carried out at more than 70 locations and at least 75 alleged victims were identified.

Quebec police arrested 10 people on Tuesday suspected of ties to the Hells Angels, accusing them of extortion, intimidation, threats, gangsterism, conspiracy and money laundering in the construction industry.

Four others also were being sought in the case, officials said. Raids were carried out at more than 70 locations and at least 75 alleged victims were identified.

The suspects include building contractors, union representatives, businessmen, real estate agents, and accountants who authorities alleged were linked to a Hells Angels biker gang boss on the lam for murder.

The ring is accused of trying to take control of masonry firms to funnel money through major projects to overseas bank accounts.

Nine million dollars (8.44 million US) worth of building projects and financial assets were seized in the probe, police said.

The arrests follow the creation last week of a special squad to investigate public corruption in Quebec's construction sector.