Mandeep Singh WorkSafe fraud: Former Pacific Meat Sales worker fined
A former Victorian meat-processing worker has learnt his fate after fraudulently claiming more than $18,000 from WorkSafe.
A former worker at a Victorian meat processor has been convicted and fined for fraudulently obtaining more than $18,000 in injury compensation payments after a fall.
Mandeep Singh injured his ankle and back while working for Thomastown’s Pacific Meat Sales.
He stopped work in September 2016 and received weekly workers’ compensation payments.
WorkSafe said an investigation later found Mr Singh then started his own business as a courier driver, earning more than $26,000 until the fraud was uncovered in August 2019.
The workplace safety authority said Mr Singh repeatedly failed to declare the work and received $18,404 in compensation payments during that time.
Mr Singh pleaded guilty in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court last week to one charge of fraudulently obtaining payments.
He has been ordered to pay back the payments, was convicted and fined $1200, and ordered to pay court costs of $1742.
WorkSafe Insurance Business Unit executive director Roger Arnold said the workers’ compensation scheme was established to give injured workers the support and treatment they need to get well and return to work.
“The vast majority of injured workers are doing the right thing, but it’s disappointing that a small minority think they can cheat the system,” he said.
“Those who try to defraud the system for their own benefit will be held to account.”
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