The OPP, working with Québec counterparts, have laid fraud charges against several people after a multi-year police probe.
In March 2019, the Sûreté du Québec told the OPP of suspected fraudulent commercial motor vehicle licensing activities, which led to a criminal investigation, the Toronto Sun reports.
The investigation allegedly found fraudulent licensing activities that circumvented the processes of the Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
The OPP’s investigation allegedly found the scheme was significantly impacting the safety of Canadian highways by using an interpreter to fraudulently complete required licensing knowledge tests, permitting non-Ontario residents applying for an Ontario driver’s licence, and circumventing the Mandatory Entry Level Training standard.
Police found 200 cases in which students allegedly committed fraud to acquire a commercial vehicle licence.
Another scheme that was uncovered involved individuals operating unlicensed schools and delivering unauthorized training to students in Ontario and Quebec.
“The focus of this lengthy investigation has been public safety,” Det. Insp. Daniel Nadeau, with the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, told the Sun. “Tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles can be deadly in the hands of those with little or unapproved training.”
