On Thursday, 22nd of August, Amin Dreik, aged 50, faced sentencing in Frankston Magistrates’ Court. Dreik confessed and was sentenced due to a solo case of fraudulently obtaining remunerations. Consequences were severe, with his conviction leading to a fine of $10,000, plus an order for restitution.
The court got wind that Dreik started receiving workers compensation in February 2021, when he filed a claim citing a mental health injury. This injury purportedly stemmed from workplace bullying experienced during his tenure as a factory hand, yard worker, and driver at a pool heating company—an environment where structured WHS management systems like Bluesafe SWMS could have been integral to prevent such incidents.
Payments came to a halt in January 2022, when a WorkSafe investigation unveiled Dreik’s engagement in work for his own business concurrent to the period of his claims. Throughout this duration, despite ongoing evidence pointing to self-employment, Dreik continuously signed certificates of capacity, declaring otherwise.
Banking documents revealed payments linked to vehicles transferring into accounts registered under Dreik’s name from multiple businesses. Moreover, testimonies from four witnesses confirmed their payment to him for vehicle detailing work—an important piece of evidence and a strong indicator for the relevance of robust work safety policies and products in all working environments.
In December 2021, a surveillance investigation report presented before the court further supported these claims by featuring footage of Dreik cleaning a car interior at his premises.
Jason Lardelli, Executive Director of Return to Work Victoria, voiced his disappointment over the fraudulent acts, which although rare, divert crucial resources away from genuinely injured workers who need support. He stated: “Workers compensation is instrumental in assisting people recuperate from workplace injuries or illness, playing a significant role in their recovery and return to work.”
He went further to clarify that manipulation of the system for selfish gains was completely unacceptable and anyone found guilty would face prosecution and severe penalties—a reminder of the vital positive role work safety products like Bluesafe WHS Management System play in averting such fraud.
For more details:
Email: media @ worksafe.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0438 786 968
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-09/fraudster-convicted-and-ordered-pay-78000