Canadian politicians charged over expenses fraud

Two Canadian senators were charged with fraud for their roles in an expenses scandal that saw them file bogus claims worth tens of thousands of dollars, police said.
Retired Liberal parliamentarian Mac Harb and suspended Conservative Party politician Patrick Brazeau both face one count each of fraud and breach of trust, said Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner Gilles Michaud yesterday.
Police say the two politicians sought reimbursement for tens of thousands of dollars in travel and living expenses to which they were not entitled.
Michaud said investigations were ongoing into two other Conservative senators -- Mike Duffy and Pamela Wallin -- who have been suspended since the scandal erupted.

Brazeau last year refused to pay back around Canadian dollar 49,000 (USD 44,000) he was ordered to return following an external audit. Appointed in 2009, he was removed from the Conservative caucus last year after allegations of assault and sexual assault against his spouse.
Harb, meanwhile, repaid some Canadian dollar 230,000 of illegitimate expenses.
The allegation of breach of trust faced by both men is punishable by up to five years in prison. Fraud involving an amount greater than Canadian dollar 5,000 dollars is punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Senators in Canada are appointed by the prime minister. They are not subjected to term limits but must leave office by the time they reach 75.