Charges Laid in 'Bust-Out' Bankruptcy Fraud Investigation

TORONTO, Aug. 20, 2014 /CNW/ - The Integrated Bankruptcy Enforcement Unit, comprised of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Greater Toronto Area Financial Crime Section and the Ontario Region Special Investigation Unit of the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB SIU), charged Manoharan SINNADURAI, a 61 year old male from Brampton, with offences under the Criminal Code (CC) and Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA). The allegations relate to fraud and the abuse of the bankruptcy process.

An investigation was launched in February 2012, after the RCMP/OSB SIU received information of possible wrongdoing by Mr. SINNADURAI, specifically his potential involvement in 'Bust-Out' fraud against his creditors. Mr. SINNADURAI allegedly acquired approximately $177,000 in four months from seven financial institutions through the use of credit cards, cheques and bank drafts.

As a result of this investigation, SINNADURAI has been charged with the following offences:

• Section 380(1)(a) CC, Fraud Over $5,000
• Section 198(1)(a) BIA, Fraudulent Disposition of Property (2 counts)

The matter is scheduled for first appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice - Old City Hall in Toronto on August 22, 2014.

'Bust-Out' fraud is a scheme that involves an individual acquiring credit from financial institutions and businesses offering credit cards. The credit levels are maintained in such a way that provides the creditor with the level of comfort that would allow them to provide increased amounts of credit - sometimes by only paying minimum amounts as suggested on the credit statement. The available credit is exhausted by large cash advances and purchases then bogus payments are made to 'pay off' the debt in full. The credit limit is restored by the creditor and the fraudster takes advantage of this opportunity to again exhaust the available credit before the payments are found to be bogus. The end result is the fraudulent debtor has received up to twice the amount of the prescribed credit limit. No further payments are made to the account and the debtor declares bankruptcy.

The RCMP and the OSB SIUs will continue to combine their efforts to investigate allegations of criminal wrongdoing related to bankruptcy and insolvency matters in order to protect the integrity of the insolvency system in Canada.

SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

For further information:

For media inquiries contact: 

Sgt. Richard Rollings,
RCMP Media Relations
"O" Division (Ontario)
416-992-4409

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