With over 2,600 cases of physical damage and bodily injury claims suspected of fraud at Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) in 2025, narrowing the list to only five is challenging. A body builder, aninjured arsonist, a vehicle headed for Dubai, a Porsche hunt, and covert cases of beer stand out amongst the rest of the incidents that MPI’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) investigated, saving Manitoba ratepayers almost $17 million dollars in attempted auto insurance fraud this year. “While many of you will shake your heads or even chuckle at the audacity of some of these cases we are highlighting, MPI is sharing these fraud attempts to emphasize that insurance fraud has a cost, and that cost is borne by all of us in Manitoba,” said John Bowering, MPI’s Vice President & Chief Claims Officer. “Our SIU team is committed to seeking out instances of fraud, and they have a breadth of expertise when it comes to investigations. Their hard work saves Manitobans money and maintains the integrity of our public insurance system.” Every Manitoban can do their part. Anyone with information about auto insurance fraud is encouraged to call the MPI TIPS Line at 204-985-8477 in Winnipeg, toll-free 1-877-985-8477 outside of Winnipeg, or submit information online at mpi.mb.ca. Information can also be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at manitobacrimestoppers.com. All calls and reports are kept anonymous. Fraud 1: Body Builder After a minor two-vehicle collision, a claimant reported injuries so significant that they were unable to go to work, perform their own personal care, or take care of cooking and housekeeping duties for themselves and their children. It was reported that the injuries caused very high pain levels with any activity, including just sitting down. Based on the extent of injury, the claimant was entitled to Income Replacement Benefits and Personal Care Assistance payments under the Personal Injury Protection Program. Due to the severity of the injuries reported in relation to the seriousness of the collision, SIU launched an investigation. The investigators found the claimant spent much of their time at the gym, lifting heavy weights while bending and squatting, making household chores seem mild in comparison. Based on the investigation, MPI terminated all income replacement and personal care benefits. The savings to ratepayers was more than $300,000. Fraud 2: Injured Arsonist A claimant was treated at the hospital for significant burn injuries after a sudden and violent explosion that engulfed their commercial truck in flames in a hotel parking lot. The claimant reported to police and to medical professionals that they had fought the fire with a fire extinguisher for 10 minutes, trying to save the vehicle, sustaining burns in the process. SIU began to investigate and found video evidence of the claimant methodically staging and executing the arson. However, the explosion appeared unplanned and is what caused the claimant’s injuries. At no time was there any evidence of attempts to extinguish the fire. The claim was denied, saving ratepayers approximately $1 million in vehicle and injury claims. Fraud 3: Dubai Bound A claimant reported they returned to a parking lot to find their vehicle had been stolen. A settlement was reached and the claimant was paid. After the payment, MPI was notified by a separate investigating agency that the vehicle had been intercepted in a shipping container in Ontario heading to Dubai, along with 14 other vehicles. The overseas trip was cancelled, and an SIU investigation was opened. Investigators discovered the vehicle was reported stolen after it had already been in Ontario for several days. The vehicle was examined, and there were no indications of forced entry or tampering with the ignition. MPI is in the process of reclaiming the $51,657.54 that was paid out for this fraudulent claim. Fraud 4: A Porsche Hunt A two-vehicle collision occurred and both parties made a claim. One of the vehicles was a Porsche. The accounts given by each party did not match up, nor did the evidence from the scene of the collision. SIU began an investigation. It was determined that the driver of the first vehicle passed by the home of the Porsche’s owner and circled back when the Porsche began to reverse out of the driveway. The vehicle accelerated toward the Porsche, striking it, while the Porsche attempted to take evasive action. The driver of the first vehicle said they tried to avoid the collision, but there was no room due to parked vehicles. After the collision, the driver of the Porsche exited the vehicle and ran into the residence, then came back a short while later with additional people. It was reported to MPI that the fully licensed registered owner of the vehicle was driving and had two other people in the vehicle with them. Investigators found that the registered owner was not in the vehicle and the individual with the Learner’s licence was the only occupant of the Porsche and was driving illegally. It was further found that the parties in both vehicles were known to each other. False statements were provided by both vehicle drivers. An intentional act caused the collision. The claim was denied, saving ratepayers approximately $154,000. Fraud 5: Covert Cases of Beer After a minor collision with minimal reported injuries and damage, a claimant initially reported being able to perform certain aspects of their employment, but as the claim continued, they reported being unable to complete more and more parts of their job due to significant pain. The claimant’s business required them to purchase and transport bulk supplies, and they reported they were unable to complete their tasks as their lifting capacity was zero to five pounds maximum, with a very low tolerance for most activities. Based on the extent of injury and the nature of the claimant’s work, they were entitled to Income Replacement Benefits. Surveillance was initiated by SIU. The claimant was routinely seen out of their home running errands and doing work for their business for approximately 7-10 hours every day. The claimant was observed shopping at several beer vendors and loading up to 18-20 cases of beer into the trunk of their vehicle without assistance. The claimant continued to be seen lifting heavy items and carrying equipment without any evidence of pain or difficulty. Based on the investigation, benefits were terminated. The savings to ratepayers as a result of this investigation was more than $480,000. Efforts are being made to reclaim $19,000 in benefits already paid to the claimant. Altogether, the investigation and discovery of these five fraudulent claims by MPI’s SIU team saved Manitoba ratepayers $2 million out of the total $17 million saved in 2025.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) thanks the Public Utilities Board (PUB) for hearing and responding to the 2026/27 General Rate Application. MPI respects the independent role of PUB and will work to implement the order for the Basic line of business beginning on April 1, 2026. Coverage under MPI’s Basic insurance is mandatory for Manitoba drivers. Rates are regulated and approved by PUB on an annual basis, with industry stakeholders participating in the hearing process. Following the Corporation’s request for a 2.07 per cent increase, PUB has ordered a 1.77 per cent increase to Basic insurance rates for the 2026/27 insurance year. This represents an annual increase of $21.89 to the average private passenger vehicle policy next year, which is approximately $1.82 per month. PUB has also approved MPI’s application to expand the range of vehicle rate groups for private passenger and light truck vehicles from 41 to 45. This expansion allows MPI to more accurately reflect the claims cost of vehicles in higher groups. Individual vehicle premiums will vary depending on the type of vehicle being insured. An expansion to +20 under the Driver Safety Rating system has also been approved in the 2026/27 order. Customers who move to the new level +20 on the scale will receive a discount of 53 per cent off the cost of their vehicle insurance and 55 per cent off their driver insurance, which continues to reward Manitoba drivers for their safe driving behaviours. MPI is also offering customers more choice and flexibility to maximize the affordability of their Basic mandatory coverage. Beginning in April 2026, MPI is adjusting the Basic insurance deductible from $750 to $1,000. Customers can choose a higher deductible to maximize the affordability of the mandatory product or can opt for a lower deductible level by purchasing an optional product through MPI’s Extension line of business. During a customer’s annual renewal process when Annual Statements of Account and Renewal Notices are mailed out, customers that are currently at a $750 deductible will be automatically assigned a $750 Extension product deductible. Each customer will still have the opportunity to adjust their deductible level and can make those changes by visiting their Autopac agent. Changes made prior to the policy renewal and payment due dates will be free of charge. MPI continues to be committed to providing affordable rates for Manitobans. All changes delivered in the order will be in effect as of April 1, 2026.

Failure to Comply – Release Order On December 18th at 4:27 p.m. a traffic stop was conducted in the 2600 block of Princess Avenue. The driver was a 26-year-old male who was suspended from driving, and on a Release Order not to possess/consume alcohol. (Open liquor observed in the center consul of vehicle). The male blew a warning on the ASD and the vehicle was towed. The male was processed and later released via Appearance Notice with a court date of February 2nd, 2026.  Charges include Failure to Comply Release Order (Alcohol) and was issued two tickets for Driving While Disqualified and Open Liquor. Impaired Operation On December 18 at approximately 5:11 p.m., police received a report of a possible impaired driver travelling eastbound in the middle of Grand Valley Road. The vehicle was reported to be missing half of its front bumper. Officers were advised by 911 that the vehicle had been involved in a collision at Highway #1 and Grand Valley Road before leaving the scene. An additional call was received reporting that a vehicle had struck the south ditch near the Research Station on Grand Valley Road. Police arrived on scene and located the vehicle in the ditch with a 61-year-old male still behind the wheel. The driver refused to provide a breath sample. The vehicle was towed, and the male was arrested and charged with Impaired Operation. The male was brought to BPS detention cells and will attend court in the morning on December 19th, 2025. Arrest Warrant On December 18 at approximately 6:16 p.m., police were called to a disturbance in the 2800 block of Victoria Avenue involving a male yelling at customers in a drive-through. Police attended and located a highly intoxicated 34-year-old male who was found to have an endorsed warrant for arrest for Theft Under $5,000. The male was arrested on the strength of the warrant and transported to BPS detention cells. He will attend court in the morning on December 19th, 2025. Breach of the Peace In the past 24 hours two individuals were arrested for Breach of the Peace. Both individuals were held in BPS detention cells to be released once sober. Vehicle Fire On December 19th at 4:36 a.m. police responded with Brandon Fire and Emergency Services to a call of a vehicle fire. The fire is under investigation but believed to have been caused by the block heater. The vehicle was towed, and no parties were injured. Weapon, Drug, and Breach Charges On December 18 at approximately 6:42 p.m., police responded to an anonymous complaint of a female smashing windows at a motel on Middleton Avenue. Upon arrival, officers observed numerous individuals on scene; however, no one was cooperative or able to provide details regarding the damaged window. A highly intoxicated 20-year-old female at the location was arrested due to her level of intoxication. She was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a knife, contrary to the conditions of her Probation Order. The female was transported to BPS detention cells and will be released once sober on an Undertaking. A future court date of February 12, 2026, has been set. Charges include Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Weapon, and two counts of Failure to Comply with Probation.

The Manitoba government is donating $2.6 million from the sale of American liquor products to support community programs and initiatives across the province, including local holiday hamper donation programs, Premier Wab Kinew announced today. “Manitobans embraced this initiative with their typical generosity of spirit, and folks can feel good knowing their money helped to make this holiday season brighter for families who need it most,” said Kinew. “We know keeping American liquor off the shelves has impacted the fight against President Trump’s tariffs, but we’re glad to see this inventory used to generate a little holiday spirit rather than languish in a warehouse.” Of the $2.6 million, the Manitoba government will donate: $1 million to the Winnipeg Christmas Cheer Board to support the delivery of Christmas hampers and other donations to families over the holiday season; $500,000 will be donated to Harvest Manitoba to support distribution to local food banks; $500,000 will be donated to Brandon charities, including the Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer Registry and its regional partner organizations; and the remaining funds will be donated to Helping Hands Centre of Brandon, the Boys and Girls Club of Thompson and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. to support their donation programs. This contribution reflects the Manitoba government’s commitment to re-investing revenue in ways that benefit residents and strengthen local communities. The funds will be directed toward programs that promote health, education and social well-being. The Manitoba government also confirmed it will continue to sell the remaining inventory of U.S. liquor products and expand sales beyond the select Liquor Marts in the initial round. Proceeds from the sale of U.S. products will continue to be donated to charity, the premier noted.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is “WANTED BY POLICE”: Nicholas DURACK FOR Assault Causing Bodily Harm / Robbery. DURACK, a 25-year-old male, is wanted in connection with an assault and robbery that occurred on December 9, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m. at a residence in Brandon. It is alleged that DURACK participated in an assault on a male, during which the victim was struck with a whisky bottle and robbed of personal items and clothing. DURACK has pending charges, including Assault Causing Bodily Harm and Robbery, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. CRIME OF THE WEEK for December 17, 2025 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a THEFT.  On December 11th, 2025, at approximately 2:14 p.m., the woman shown entered a store in the 1000 block of Richmond Avenue and stole items. She was seen wearing a white cap, black sunglasses, black pants, black jacket and was carrying a Co-op bag and backpack. It’s the season of giving—not taking. This kind of “shopping” lands you firmly on the naughty list. If you have information on this woman, please contact Crime Stoppers. All tips remain anonymous.   ************** If you have information about this or any other crime you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637).  Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display.  Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous.  Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime.