Crown argues ex-Montreal mayor Michael Applebaum was aware of corruption
MONTREAL — Ex-Montreal mayor Michael Applebaum was a knowing participant in a criminal plot to enrich both himself and others, the Crown told the court Friday as the longtime former municipal politician’s corruption trial draws to a close.
Prosecutor Nathalie Kleber spent the first part of her closing arguments reviewing the testimony of witnesses who she said support the Crown’s position that Applebaum accepted cash through a former aide in return for favours given to local real estate developers and engineering firms.
She told the judge those witnesses are credible and their cumulative testimony show that Applebaum was involved in the alleged activities.
“Can we conclude that Mr. Applebaum had a knowledge of what was happening? Yes, we can,” she said.