According to Quinton’s comments in a story on The New York Times website, SNC-Lavalin paid Vanier more than $100,000 to visit Libya to gain information about how to resume operations and assess safety and security.

No Charges by Mexican Government

Neither Ben Aissa, Roy nor SNC-Lavalin have been accused of any crimes or wrongdoing by the Mexican government.

Attempts to reach Ben Aissa and Roy so far have proven unsuccessful. Published remarks attributed to Ben Aissa indicate that he denies not only being dismissed but also any ethical violation.

In the statement replying to SNC-Lavalin, Ben Aissa’s attorney said his client had been responsible for the company’s engineering and construction of infrastructure projects, which employed more than 10,000 staff members.

Ben Aissa spared no effort to "protect the interests of the company," and he continuously served the interests of SNC-Lavalin "in compliance with company's policies."

"After nearly 27 years with SNC-Lavalin," the statement continued, "Ben Aissa laments the manner in which the company decided to announce the end of their professional relationship."

Also, SNC-Lavalin said it has named Charles Chebl as executive vice president of its infrastructure and construction business unit. Chebl has been with the firm for more than 25 years, it adds.