Winnipeg Police have arrested a 51-year-old suspect in connection to a fraud that bilked Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries of more than $275,000.
Investigators say that between April 2017 and April 2019 more than 300 fraud, theft and money-laundering incidents occurred by an employee of the Casino Tours Department. The fraud came to light after an audit by Liquor and Lotteries.
The casinos provide tour packages and hires a number of companies to provide bus transportation. Part of the payment to the bus operators is based on the number of people booked on each tour.
The investigation uncovered that invoices and computer files were changed to show inflated passenger numbers and falsified trips. These alterations resulted in the bus companies being overpaid.
Police say the operators were no aware that they had been overpaid due to the manipulation of the travel manifests.
Investigators say that the operators did not suspect any wrongdoing when they were directed to make payments based on their business relationship with the suspect who also owned a bus company.
Lori Ann Mann from Winnipeg has been arrested and charged for her alleged involvement with Fraud over $5,000, Theft over $5,000, Laundering Proceeds of Crime and Mischief to Data.
© News4.ca 2021
