A Montreal SAAQ office has been shut down for good following investigation

The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec says it is suspending operations at its Place Vertu service centre in Montreal. (Martin Rioux/CTV News)

The Quebec auto insurance board (SAAQ) service centre at Place Vertu is now permanently closed.

In February, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) announced it was suspending operations at the Montreal service centre amid an investigation. On Monday, the agency confirmed the closure would be permanent.

The SAAQ’s investigation department launched a probe after reports of irregularities arose. The agency said “some of the findings were serious enough to warrant filing an official complaint with police.”

“Consequently, due to the breach of trust with this agent, the SAAQ has decided to terminate its business relationship,” the agency said in a news release. “Although regrettable, this situation highlights the importance of the control mechanisms put in place to identify and limit the risk of malpractice. The effectiveness of these measures helps maintain public confidence.”

The SAAQ said it would not make further comments while a police investigation is underway.

It said customers with appointments were contacted to offer a new date.

Customers can also make some transactions online.