RCMP Wrap Up ICBC Probe

Monday, January 11, 2010 02:48 PM

Vancouver, B.C.-The RCMP Federal Commercial Crime Section has concluded their investigation into allegations of fraud related offences involving ICBC. The RCMP have recommended that no charges be laid against individuals employed by ICBC or against the corporation itself.

Results of the investigation revealed that processes undertaken within ICBC regarding the handling of Total Loss ("write-off") cases and the purchasing of vehicles by ICBC employees through the auction process were not criminal in nature.

This investigation commenced in April, 2008. Police interviewed close to 300 people, including front line claims estimators, support and clerical staff, Special Investigations Unit members, supervisors, managers, senior executives, personnel within the Material Damage Research & Training facility, ICBC customers and auction agents. Independent vehicle inspections were conducted through an expert automotive consultant on behalf of the RCMP.

Police considered a number of potential offences over the course of this investigation, none of which could be supported by evidence. Consideration was given to offences such as Fraud, Breach of Trust, Falsification of Records, Criminal Negligence, Bid Rigging (Competition Act) and Making False or Misleading Representations (Competition Act).

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Posted on Monday, January 11, 2010 02:48 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Loki on January 11 2010 4:08 PM

It may not be strictly illegal, but I would say it is at least immoral or unethical. If the police considered charges for even a moment, then ICBC and its employees has some ethics work to do.

Pulp mill and other large industrial employees are generally forbidden from "salvaging" or acquiring anything from the mill, even dumpster diving to prevent any possible abuse.

Yet the provincial auto insurer allows this?

Real simple fix: Employees and their families of ICBC no matter how high up, may not participate in those auctions. There must always be an arms length relationship to any vehicles that are written off..

Problem solved! Except for the fact that that rule will never be made because the middle managers and up are making a killing on this.

Posted by: MrPG on January 11 2010 4:32 PM

Agreed. Most major corporations have established ethics guidelines which would would have rules which specifically prevent stuff like this, but I guess ICBC is above that.

Posted by: seamutt on January 11 2010 7:34 PM

No charges, no surprises there. I bet if it wasen't managers involved there would have been charges. There are two laws, one for the grunts who do the real work and one for management standing around giving each other bonuses.

Posted by: jonnypg on January 11 2010 10:23 PM

Just wait a few years and all will be forgotten... (like that with everything nowadays!)

Posted by: Eagleone on January 12 2010 6:03 AM

I bet if a standard practice was in place then charges could be laid. That is the out all these unaccountable people use to get off in the courts... 'sorry sir its not standrad practice, so we were under the assumption that it was legal'. Ethics counts for little for those that allow that kind of norm in any company or industry or profession. It happens all the time more and more so it seems especially in the government entities that operate in their own reality.

The 6-figure incomes aren't enough for those people, because they're special... they're above standard practices it seems.

Posted by: whatintheheck on January 12 2010 6:23 AM

I remember when a vehicle was a write off when the frame was bent and or major damage. Now it seems they write them off at the drop of a hat. No wonder.

Posted by: BC Mary on January 13 2010 8:09 PM

I would like to read the judge's REASONS FOR JUDGMENT on this case ...

because it stinks. And the next crime is being planned: to weaken I.C.B.C. until it can be sold off as garbage to one of Gordo's Best Friends for peanuts, because it isn't bringing enough money into the Provincial Treasury.