Brandon couple allegedly claimed more than $100K in EIA benefits fraudulently, say police

A man and woman are facing charges after allegedly defrauding the Employment and Income Assistance Program (EIA) of more than $100,000.

Brandon Police Service received a complaint about the 49-year-old man and 47-year-old woman on Oct. 22.

They are alleged to have been receiving the benefits between 2011 and 2017.

In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for EIA says they can’t comment on this case specifically, but processes are in place to detect potentially fraudulent activity, and it investigates every allegation of fraud.

EIA also works alongside police to determine if criminal charges should be pursued.

The statement goes on to say fraud is actually quite rare, with only eight cases in 2018-19 being referred to law enforcement.

“The province has a range of options available to attempt to recover any funds paid fraudulently or in error, including the use of garnishments and liens,” the statement concludes.

The couple were arrested and released for a court date on Jan. 30, 2020.

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