WCB Investigation Leads to Fraud Conviction, Fine

A WorkSafeBC (Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia, Canada) investigation has led to a criminal conviction against Umendra Kumar, 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 reportedly 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’ comp 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 Nov. 1, 2004.