Manitoba Public Insurance uncovered nearly $2 million in attempted fraud through five major cases this year, part of almost $17 million in total savings generated by the Crown insurer’s Special Investigation Unit in 2025.
Manitoba Public Insurance says it investigated more than 2,600 physical damage and bodily injury claims suspected of fraud this year, highlighting the most significant cases to demonstrate the impact insurance fraud has on ratepayers.
“Insurance fraud has a cost, and that cost is borne by all of us in Manitoba,” said John Bowering, MPI’s vice-president and chief claims officer. He said the SIU’s work protects the integrity of the public insurance system while keeping rates affordable.
Among the cases was a claimant who reported severe injuries after a minor collision and received income replacement and personal care benefits but was later observed lifting heavy weights at a gym. Benefits were terminated, saving more than $300,000.
In another case, a claimant injured in a truck fire claimed to have been hurt while trying to extinguish the flames. Video evidence later showed the fire had been deliberately set, with the explosion causing unplanned injuries. The claim was denied, saving about $1 million.
MPI also cited a staged vehicle theft in which a vehicle was reported stolen only after it had already been shipped to Ontario and loaded into a container bound for Dubai. MPI is seeking to recover more than $51,000 paid on the claim.
One of the more complex cases involved a collision with a Porsche, where investigators found the incident was intentional. MPI said the driver of another vehicle passed the Porsche owner’s residence, then returned and accelerated toward the Porsche as it was backing out of the driveway, despite the Porsche attempting to take evasive action. Conflicting accounts were provided by both drivers, and evidence from the scene did not match their statements.
Following the collision, MPI said the Porsche driver ran into the residence and returned with additional people, later reporting that the fully licensed registered owner had been driving with passengers. Investigators determined the registered owner was not in the vehicle and that a lone driver with a learner’s licence was operating the Porsche illegally. It was also discovered the parties involved knew one another. The claim was denied, saving ratepayers approximately $154,000.
Another claimant who reported being unable to work due to pain was later observed lifting and transporting large quantities of beer and equipment without assistance. Benefits were terminated, saving more than $480,000, with MPI attempting to recover additional funds already paid.
MPI is encouraging the public to report suspected insurance fraud through its TIPS line or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
