On July 5, 2011, the RCMP Federal Enforcement began an investigation on a referral from Human Resources Development Canada involving allegations of potential fraud relating to overpayment of Old Age Security (OAS) benefits.
The 15 month investigation lead by the RCMP Federal Enforcement Section with the assistance of Canada Border Services Agency, Human Resources Development Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency and the Philippines National Police Intelligence Division revealed that between July, 1996 and November, 2006, a Winnipeg woman failed to report the death of her mother, who was in the Philippines at the time, and continued to collect her OAS, Guaranteed Income Supplement and Goods and Services Tax (GST) benefits on her behalf as well as filing her tax returns.
The investigation showed in excess of $124,000 in paid benefits were fraudulently obtained.
70-year-old Luisa Alcantara of Winnipeg faces a fraud over $5000 charge under the Criminal Code. She also faces fraud related charges under the Old Age Security Act as well as the Excise Tax Act regarding payments received for GST benefits.
Alcantara was released from custody and will be appearing in court October 29, 2012 in Winnipeg.
