Judge sentences men convicted in St. Michael’s Hospital fraud to prison
Summary
Two men, including a former hospital executive and a construction boss, received prison sentences for fraud related to a $300 million redevelopment contract at St. Michael’s Hospital.
Why It Matters
This case highlights significant corruption in Ontario's public procurement processes, raising concerns about transparency and trust in government contracts. The lengthy sentences serve as a warning against fraudulent practices in construction and public sector dealings.
Key Takeaways
- Two men were sentenced for manipulating a $300 million hospital contract.
- The case underscores vulnerabilities in public procurement processes.
- Corruption at senior levels can deter qualified bidders from future projects.
- The scheme led to significant delays and financial fallout for the hospital.
- The court emphasized the importance of integrity in public sector contracts.
HomeAround the provinceJudge sentences men convicted in St. Michael’s Hospital fraud to prison Around the provinceGTAContractingGovernment Judge sentences men convicted in St. Michael’s Hospital fraud to prison By Mark Buckshon February 20, 2026 0 1288 Share FacebookTwitterEmailPrintCopy URL Ontario Construction News staff writer A former hospital executive and a once-prominent construction boss were handed lengthy prison sentences Wednesday for orchestrating a “dishonest” scheme to steer a $300-million redevelopment contract at St. Michael’s Hospital. Superior Court Justice Peter Bawden sentenced John Aquino, the former president of Bondfield Construction, to seven years in prison. Vas Georgiou, the hospital’s former chief administrative officer, received a five-year sentence. Both men were found guilty last October of two counts of fraud over $5,000. The sentencing caps a high-profile case that exposed deep corruption in Ontario’s public procurement sector. Justice Bawden found the pair manipulated the bidding process for the massive downtown Toronto hospital renovation, with Georgiou feeding Aquino confidential insider information to ensure Bondfield won the lucrative contract. “The public invested a fortune in this procurement in order that it could sustain any scrutiny, and because of the conduct of the accused, we have effectively lost our money — that is a fraud on us,” Bawden said in his earlier ruling. The court heard that Georgiou, who was a key member of the com...