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Barrie woman among seven arrested after health fraud investigation

The investigation involved owners of mobility aid businesses and their employees
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NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE

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Police lay 13 health fraud-related charges

Seven assistive devices authorizers to appear in court

ORILLIA – Members with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch Health Fraud Investigation Unit have charged seven people in connection with a lengthy investigation involving owners of mobility aid businesses and their employees.

Since March 2014, the Health Fraud Investigation Unit has been investigating a complaint from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) Assistive Devices Program (ADP) regarding a registered ADP vendor of mobility aids and several registered authorizers.

It is alleged that the vendor and authorizers were colluding to prescribe and supply mobility aids to clients who did not meet ADP eligibility criteria.

As a result of the investigation, charges of fraud over $5,000 and uttering a forged document contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada have been laid against six people.

A seventh individual of Richmond Hill is charged with fraud over $5,000 contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.

The accused have all been arrested and released. They have or will make their first appearances in Ontario Courts of Justice, Scarborough on various dates based on the date of their arrest.

Police are still working to determine the extent of the dollar losses to the government.

The Anti-Rackets Branch Health Fraud Investigation Unit is comprised of OPP members who investigate allegations of fraud relating to Ontario’s health care system on behalf of the MOHLTC.

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Editor's note: The names of the accused individuals have been removed after proof was provided that the charges against them were withdrawn by the Crown Attorney.