DNA testing at the top of MPI’s list of Top 5 frauds in 2010

DNA testing, CSI-style, ferreted out a fraud scheme in which a Manitoba driver vehemently denied crashing his car, causing his airbag to deploy.
The attempted fraud made the top of Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)’s Top 5 frauds of 2010.
The vehicle owner was adamant his vehicle had been stolen, despite a statement to the contrary by an eyewitness who arrived shortly after the vehicle had crashed into a pole. The crash occurred only blocks away from the home of the owner.
“The airbag, which had blood on it, was subsequently seized by MPI and sent to a lab for testing,” MPI says in a press release announcing its Top 5 list. “DNA testing conclusively proved that the blood belonged to the vehicle owner, who later pleaded guilty to making a false statement.”
In addition to a fine of $350, the owner agreed to withdraw his vehicle damage claim with Manitoba Public Insurance valued at $12,900. “‘Mr. DNA [the vehicle’s owner] also agreed to reimburse the public auto insurer $3,437 in investigative costs,” MPI announced.
MPI says its investigators have recovered undeserved benefits and denied fraudulent claims totaling more than $50 million over the last five years.
Other frauds on the list include a Winnipeg man with a guilty conscience who contacted MPI and admitted to burning a vehicle four years after the act.
“The man explained that he had been the former fiancé of the vehicle owner and needed to admit to his criminal actions,” MPI said.
The man agreed to repay $3,782 to MPI, in addition to receiving a fine of $864 after pleading guilty to Fraud Under $5,000.