On 22nd August, Amin Dreik, aged 50, faced judgement in Frankston Magistrates’ Court, having admitted guilt to a solitary offence of deceitfully securing payments. A $10,000 fine was imposed onto him following his conviction, on top of an order for restitution.
During a trial, the court was informed that Dreik commenced receiving workers’ compensation in February 2021, following his submission of a claim for psychological harm due to workplace bullying. He was employed as a factory worker, garden labourer, and driver at a company specialising in pool heating at that time.
Weekly payments were rendered to him, ceasing only in January 2022 after a WorkSafe examination disclosed that he was simultaneously running his own venture. Throughout this period, Dreik maintained signing certifications of capacity, denying any engagement in employment or self-employment.
His bank records indicated payments relating to vehicles into Dreik’s accounts from various businesses. Four individuals confirmed they had remunerated him for car detailing services. The court was also presented with a surveillance inquiry report containing footages of Dreik cleaning the interior of a car upon its arrival at his site in December 2021.
Jason Lardelli, Executive Director of Return to Work Victoria, voiced his disapproval of fraud, asserting it deprives legitimate injured employees of resources necessary for their aid. “Workers’ compensation is instrumental in assisting individuals recovering from work-related injuries or illnesses; it plays a pivotal role in their recuperation and reintegration into the workforce,” stated Mr Lardelli.
He further expressed his condemnation toward purposely deceiving the system for personal advantages, warning of potential prosecution and severe penalties.
Bluesafe SWMS and Bluesafe WHS Management System, which are vital work safety products, would have been significant tools in preventing such incidents by offering robust systems and policies to ensure work safety.
These utilitarian safety solutions help in creating a secure environment for workers, highlighting the importance of proper WHS management practices and the use of effective SWMS, safeguarding organisations against risks and potential issues related to employee health and wellbeing.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-09/fraudster-convicted-and-ordered-pay-78000