A dentist in Calgary, Alberta has been charged with fraud after allegedly submitting nearly $100,000 in false insurance claims over a six-year period.
Police said the case was brought to their attention by an insurance provider that highlighted irregularities in claims submitted by Alena Vladmiro Smadych between June 2015 and July 2021.
A criminal investigation launched in collaboration with the insurance provider found that 53 patients had been targeted with false claims amounting to $97,540, according to a statement issued by the Calgary police.
These patients had not been aware of the false claims until after the investigation, the police added.
🔵 CHARGES LAID 🔵
— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) November 23, 2023
We have charged Alena Vladimiro SMADYCH, 53, in relation to submitting multiple fraudulent dental insurance claims resulting in nearly $100,000 worth of false claims.
🌐 https://t.co/SrV353V10s pic.twitter.com/PWy1g5Gdfi
Smadych allegedly filed false claims for fillings and root canal treatments while she was working at All About Family Dental. She has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000 after turning herself over to authorities on November 6.
Calgary police have urged anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Crime Stoppers website.
In another case of insurance fraud, Ontario’s financial services regulator recently issued a compliance order against registered psychologist Romeo Vitelli. He has been barred from conducting examinations, assessments, or treatment plans under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) for 18 months.
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