Via Rail, RCMP, fraud allegations

Recent fraud allegations against Via Rail are being investigated by the RCMP, and it is suspected that a computer scam was responsible. In 2013 the QMI Agency made a report that Via Rail had fired the computer department’s top manager after allegations of embezzlement were made against the employee, and an internal investigation was conducted with the assistance of the ombudsman for the company. Once the internal investigation was complete the entire file was turned over to the RCMP for a criminal investigation. When asked about the investigation law enforcement confirmed tht there was an ongoing probe into the suspected illegal activity but would not provide any further details because the investigation is still open. An anonymous source reported that at least one IT company is suspected of over billing for the services that were provided.

The fraud allegations concerning Via Rail involve hundreds of thousands of dollars, no small amount, and the RCMP will continue investigating until all of the facts have been discovered. The QMI report also outlined how Via Rail had hired the manage who was fired in spite of the fact that she had a prior theft conviction. When the manager who was terminated worked as a senior manager with Bombardier Aerospace she was investigated for theft in the early 2000s, and the investigation led to her being convicted in 2010 for the theft of 20 computer monitors. This should have been a big red flag that prevented the convicted individual from obtaining employment with Via Rail, especially in a management position where the employee could steal or embezzle from the company.