Some 223 employees of the TTC have been fired or left the agency because of an involvement of some type in the notorious scam to defraud the public with phony claims for orthotics. Two years ago TTC spokesman Brad Ross guessed that there might be as many 600 employees involved in some fashion. The racket was discovered in 2014 after a tip from an unknown source. It consisted of an offer from the owner of Healthy Fit, an orthotics business with locations in Toronto and Mississauga, to split insurance fees for nonexistent service with employees making a claim. Claims were submitted for items including compression stockings, sleeves, and orthotics, in addition to therapy services. Ten current and former TTC employees, along with the owner of Healthy Fit, Adam Smith, have been criminally charged in connection with the scam. Smith was previously found guilty of two counts of fraud over $5,000 and was sentenced to two years in prison. Of the 10 TTC employees who were charged, four have pleaded guilty and received a conditional discharge, probation, and community service. More than $82,000 in restitution has been collected from the employees, the TTC said. The charges against the remaining six employees are currently before the courts. The case stands as an example of the widespread capacity of public employees, and no doubt others, to commit fraud and in effect steal from the City.
