UPAC closes investigation into former Quebec premier Jean Charest

The investigation into allegations of illegal financing within the Quebec Liberal Party under then-leader Jean Charest is over.

Quebec's anti-corruption unit (UPAC), alongside the province's Crown prosecutor's office (DPCP), made the announcement Monday that it is ending Operation Mâchurer, eight years after it was formed.

The investigation targeted Charest, as well as Liberal fundraiser Marc Bibeau.

The former premier has, over the years, demanded that UPAC end its investigation, most notably in 2020 when he apparently considered returning to politics by running for the federal Conservative leadership.

Now, two years later, Charest is once again considering a run for the party's top job, replacing Erin O'Toole.