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WorkSafeBC investigation leads to fraud conviction and fine
Richmond , B.C., August 18, 2005 — A WorkSafeBC (Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia) investigation has led to a criminal conviction against Umendra Kumar, age 44, of Abbotsford.
Kumar was charged with one count of Fraud over $5,000, contrary to section 380 (1)(a) of the Criminal Code. Kumar had claimed to be disabled and unable to work due to an employment-related injury. He then returned to work, without informing WorkSafeBC, while continuing to collect workers' compensation benefits.
On May 17, 2005, Kumar received a nine-month conditional sentence and was ordered to pay full restitution to the WCB in the amount of $7,695.75 plus an additional $100 victim surcharge. Kumar originally plead guilty to the charge of Fraud in Abbotsford Provincial Court on November 1, 2004.
Charges such as this are a key component of WorkSafeBC's anti-fraud strategy, which is aimed at minimizing the risk of fraud from all parties who do business with WorkSafeBC. With help from the public, WorkSafeBC investigates and aggressively pursues suspected cases of fraud committed by employers, workers, suppliers, service providers, or staff. Fraud against the workers' compensation system impacts the quality of service provided by WorkSafeBC to workers and employers, increases the cost of insurance premiums, and causes unnecessary delays in treating real injuries.
Persons wishing to report suspected fraud against the worker's compensation system can contact WorkSafeBC's Fraud Tip Line toll-free at 1 877 523-3315, or e-mail fraudinfo@worksafebc.com.
WorkSafeBC is an independent provincial statutory agency governed by a Board of Directors that serves nearly two million workers and approximately 179,000 employers. WorkSafeBC was born out of a compromise between B.C.'s workers and employers in 1917 where workers gave up the right to sue their employers or fellow workers for injuries on the job in return for a no-fault insurance program fully paid for by employers. WorkSafeBC is committed to a safe and healthy workplace, and to providing return-to-work rehabilitation and legislated compensation benefits to workers injured as a result of their employment.
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