3 arrested in alleged TTC benefits plan scam

The owner of an orthotics store and his employees are facing several charges for allegedly defrauding the TTC's employee benefit plan of more than $4 million.

Police allege that the owner of Healthy Fit, a Wilson Avenue business that provides orthotics, braces, and other medical devices, and two women who worked there "prepared fraudulent billing for devices that were never received." The three were arrested yesterday after police searched the store.

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In an email sent to TTC employees Friday, the commission's CEO Andy Byford wrote: "It is alleged that receipts were provided to individuals by Healthy Fit for claim reimbursement where no product or service was obtained or where receipt amounts were inflated.

"It is further alleged that the health care provider and the person making the claim would then share the money paid out by the TTC's insurer, Manulife Financial, for these improper and fraudulent claims."

Byford said that there is no evidence linking TTC employees or their dependents to any crime, but "an internal investigation has now been launched, and no stone will be left unturned.

"If, through these investigations, an employee is found to have been party to this alleged fraud they will face serious consequences, up to and including criminal charges and/or termination of employment," Byford said.

Adam Smith, 44, of Mississauga, is charged with:

• Fraud Over $5000
• Laundering Proceeds of Crime

Sachia Leon, 28, of Toronto, is charged with:

• Fraud Over $5000
• Laundering Proceeds of Crime

Savath Nget, 30, of Toronto, is charged with:

• Fraud Over $5000
• Laundering Proceeds of Crime

The three were scheduled to appear in court at College Park on Wednesday morning.