10 TTC employees face charges in multi-million dollar benefits scam

Toronto police have confirmed that 10 Toronto Transit Commission employees have been charged in connection with an ongoing multi-million dollar benefits scam.

Of the 10 facing charges, nine are former TTC employees and one remains an employee on medical leave.

0720 15:03 **not Ready** Chgs Laid In Benefit Fraud Case, Clinic Owr… Emps Face Chgs https://t.co/3A26aPvi3V

— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) July 20, 2017

In 2014, the TTC began in investigation into Healthy Fit, a health care products and service provider that TTC employees frequented.

It was alleged that claim reimbursements were being made but no product of services such as orthotics, compression stockings and sleeves, was obtained, or where receipt amounts were inflated.

The TTC also alleged that Healthy Fit and the employee making the improper or fraudulent claim would then share the money paid out by the TTC’s insurer at the time, Manulife Financial.

In July 2015, criminal charges were laid against the owner of Healthy Fit and the TTC benefits provider changed to Green Shield on January 1, 2017, following a public procurement process.

In 2016, the TTC saw a reduction in benefits claims costs of almost $5 million over 2015, reflecting the TTC’s continued success in bringing an end to improper benefits claims or outright fraud.

Charges laid

The following charges have been laid in this case:

Adam Smith, 46, of Mississauga, owner of Healthy Fit Incorporated:

Two counts of Fraud Over $5,000
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence – Fraud Over $5,000
Laundering Proceeds of Crime

Savath Nget, 32, of Toronto, employee of Healthy Fit Incorporated:

Fraud Over $5,000
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence – Fraud Over $5,000

The following TTC employees all face one count of Fraud Over $5,000:

Lisa Dixon, 40, of Toronto
Douglas Docherty, 47, of Bowmanville
Ahmed Kabba, 58, of Ajax
Alfred Metri, 51, of Pickering
Corey Newell, 48, of Toronto
Glenn Saunders, 51, of Stouffville
Joao Sousa, 45, of Bradford
Sohan Virk, 55, of Caledon
Novella Williams, 32, of Toronto
Ishmael Yankson, 40, of Brampton

To date, 150 employees have been fired, retired or resigned to avoid dismissal.

The TTC and Toronto police are continuing their investigation into the case.

Charges laid

See also