TORONTO - An Ontario Provincial Police officer and three other people are charged with trying to defraud Bombardier Inc. (TSX:BBD.A) of $15 million.

Sgt. Michael Leonard Rutigliano, a 28-year veteran of the force, and his co-accused -- including two former Bombardier workers -- allegedly conspired to defraud the company through "fraudulent activity and secret commissions."

The investigation began in January 2007 and police say the allegations against the Mississauga, Ont., resident are not related to his duties with the provincial force.

Charges against Rutigliano, 49, include three counts of conspiracy, fraud over $5,000, obstructing justice, breach of trust and money laundering.

Also charged are Maurice Clark, 46, of L'Orignal, Ont., Barry Pierson, 56, of Thornhill, Ont., and Lynda Viola, 46, of Woodbridge, Ont.

Rutigliano, Clark and Pierson are in custody pending a bail hearing later today in Brampton, Ont. Viola has been released pending her next court appearance on June 8.