The RCMP is investigating allegations of corruption at Calgary city hall, a move that involved executing search warrants on the homes of former mayor Jyoti Gondek, former councillor Sean Chu, and sitting Ward 10 Councillor Andre Chabot.
Details of the investigation, which were confirmed by multiple sources, emerged Tuesday. The sources, who are not authorized to speak publicly, said several search warrants and production orders were carried out last week. The probe is said to be connected to a local business, though no specific company has been named.
As part of the warrants, investigators seized the cellphones of Gondek, Chu, and Chabot. No charges have been laid against any individuals, and the allegations have not been tested in court.
Councillor 'completely surprised' by search
Speaking to reporters outside council chambers on Tuesday, Councillor Chabot confirmed his phone was seized by RCMP officers last Thursday. He said he was unaware of the investigation's focus and did not believe he was personally under investigation.
“I was asked to provide my devices for them to look at to gather evidence,” Chabot said. “That’s about as much as I know . I’m hoping that somehow it will result in something that they can utilize.”
Chabot expressed surprise at the method used by the police, stating he would have voluntarily handed over his phones if asked. He said he was not questioned by the officers who executed the warrant.
“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,” he said. “I’m fully complying, I have nothing to hide.”
Renowned defence lawyer Alain Hepner confirmed he has been retained by Chabot. “He has nothing to hide and is fully co-operating with the authorities,” Hepner said in a brief statement.
Former officials issue statements
In a written statement, former mayor Jyoti Gondek confirmed she is cooperating with the investigation but also raised concerns about the search of her home.
“I have been fully co-operative and respect the legal process,” Gondek said. “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.”
Shamsher Kothari, the lawyer for former Ward 4 councillor Sean Chu, provided a similar sentiment, noting his client's cooperation. "My client has been co-operative throughout and respects the legal process," Kothari stated. "No charges have been laid and I look forward to a swift conclusion of this investigation."
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.
Investigation began in late 2025
The path to the current RCMP probe began in October 2025. The Calgary Police Service confirmed it received a complaint at that time and subsequently handed the investigation over to the RCMP. This move is standard practice in many jurisdictions to avoid any potential conflict of interest when an investigation involves municipal officials.
RCMP spokesperson Fraser Logan confirmed the investigation is being handled by its Federal Policing Northwest Region unit. According to the federal government, this branch is tasked with investigating "sensitive, high-risk organized crime and corruption" cases, which includes matters involving politicians. Its mandate covers federal, provincial, and municipal corruption.
In a statement, the RCMP confirmed its "ongoing investigation relating to a referral we received from Calgary Police Services in October 2025." Both police services declined to provide further details, citing the need to protect the integrity of the active investigation.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas told reporters he has not been contacted by police and declined to comment further on the matter.
Probe lands in charged political atmosphere
The investigation into city hall comes at a time of significant scrutiny for Calgary's municipal government. The city is still managing the fallout from a massive water main break that has prompted the provincial government to order a formal inspection of the entire water system. That crisis has put the city’s infrastructure management and emergency response capabilities under a microscope.
Furthermore, the political careers of those involved have been marked by controversy and intense public debate. Gondek's single term as mayor was defined by polarizing policy pushes, most notably the push for blanket rezoning to increase housing density, a debate that drew thousands of speakers to public hearings and deeply divided Calgarians.
A corruption investigation, even if it does not result in charges, risks further eroding public trust in civic institutions. Large-scale, long-term projects that rely on public confidence and taxpayer funds, such as the recently unveiled 20-year redevelopment plan for Stampede Park, could face renewed skepticism in the wake of such allegations. While cities like Brampton are experimenting with popular policies like free transit for youth to build goodwill, the cloud of an investigation can make it difficult for city leaders to rally public support for new initiatives.
For now, Calgarians are left to wait as the RCMP continues its work. With lawyers for all involved parties calling for a swift resolution, the coming weeks and months will determine whether the investigation fades away or becomes a defining scandal in the city’s political history.
