FSCO lays 84 charges against two Toronto rebab clinics, four people for auto fraud

The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) has laid 84 charges under Ontario’s Insurance Act against two Toronto rehabilitation clinics and four individuals alleged to have submitted false invoices to auto insurers.

The clinics were each charged with seven counts of knowingly making false or misleading statements to an auto insurer to obtain payment for goods and services provided to an insured, and seven counts of engaging in an unfair or deceptive act or practice. 

Related: Ontario anti-fraud task force calls for licensing clinics, greater power for FSCO in final report 

The clinics charged include Fairview Assessment Centre and Pacific Assessment Centre, both located on Finch Ave. West in Toronto.

The four individuals charged include Danny Grossi, Alexandre Lobatch, Yaniv Tamsout and Vitali Tourkov.

“When fraudsters falsify accident treatment bills, Ontario drivers take the hit through higher premiums,” Philip Howell, CEO and Superintendent of FSCO noted. “This, despite the fact that the vast majority of drivers go for years – even decades – without being in an accident or making a claim. FSCO will continue to crack down on those who cheat Ontario drivers by abusing the auto insurance system.”

In a statement, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), congratulated FSCO on laying the charges. 

“Certainly, auto insurance fraud is a widespread problem that plagues our industry,” Ralph Palumbo, IBC’s vice president for Ontario commented.  “This latest announcement underlines the need for the Ontario Government to immediately implement the recommendations of the Anti-Fraud Task Force report.”