Lino Zambito files for bankruptcy

Lino Zambito testifies at Quebec's corruption inquiry on Sept. 27, 2012.

Lino Zambito has filed for bankruptcy protection.

The former construction company owner who became a household name in Quebec last autumn after testifying at the Charbonneau Commission says he can no longer pay back his debts.

Zambito got out of the construction industry several years ago after his firm, Infrabec, could no longer afford to operate. He became the co-owner of a pizzeria.

In December 2012 Revenue Quebec seized more than $38,000 in property from that pizzeria.

Last year Zambito testified how for years he bribed politicians and city employees in order to win contracts in Montreal, Laval, and other cities. He also explained that the system was rampant and that it was almost impossible for any contractor to operate without paying bribes.

Zambito reportedly owes nearly $2 million to various groups including insurance companies, the city of Montreal, and his mother.

With a file from The Canadian Press