CTVNEWS

Ex-cop who allegedly tried to sell names killed himself

The Canadian Press Published Friday, January 20, 2012 1:08PM EST

Police officers and paramedics arrive at the scene at the Chateauneuf Hotel in Laval, Que., Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012 where former Montreal police Sgt. Ian Davidson, who allegedly tried to sell a list of police informants to the Mafia, was found dead. (Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Text:

LAVAL, Que. - Police are confirming that a man found dead this week was a retired cop who was under investigation for allegedly trying to sell the names of informants to the Mafia.

Laval police are identifying the man as Ian Davidson and are saying an autopsy has concluded he killed himself with a sharp object.

The 33-year veteran of the Montreal police force was found dead in a hotel room on Wednesday.

At the time, Laval police confirmed that a man's body had been found inside the hotel, but they did not release his name.

Montreal police drew a connection between the death and an investigation into allegations a retired, 33-year veteran of their force offered names of informants to the Mob in exchange for money.

Davidson had not been charged and the alleged offences occurred after his retirement in January 2011.

Several news outlets reported this week that the former cop's body was found in the Laval hotel room on Wednesday -- the same day La Presse named him as the alleged mole.