A Toronto Family Reportedly Stole Millions In COVID-19 Relief Money Meant For Families

The family worked for the Ontario government's IT department at the time.

Contributor

After months of allegedly funnelling COVID-19 relief funds to their own bank accounts, one Toronto family is facing some serious consequences.

According to The Toronto Star, Sanjay Madan, Shalini Madan, their sons Chinmaya Madan and Ujjawal Madan, and their associate Vidhan Singh have been accused of operating fraud on a massive scale.

The outlet reports that they stole close to $11 million in relief money working for the Ontario government's IT department.

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Sanjay was the IT leader […] and as such had in-depth knowledge of the IT applications. The Ministry of the Attorney General’s court submission

Sanjay Madan was a director in the Ministry of Education’s iAccess Solutions Branch and the IT leader for the government’s online Support for Families program (SFFP).

This program has distributed $300 million to families over the course of the pandemic.

However, a significant portion of it was apparently diverted into over 400 Bank of Montreal accounts, which The Star reports were "opened in the names of the Madan respondents."*

Associate Vidhan Singh was reportedly the recipient of over $40,000 in SFFP payments, equal to the benefits received for 200 children.

The investigation remains ongoing, allegations have not been proven in court and no charges have yet been laid.

The Star reports that Sanjay and Shalini Madan were suspended with pay in August 2020 and their assets have been frozen.

*Editor's note: This article has been updated.

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