Woman charged in medical supply fraud over 6-year period

A woman from Mississauga was charged in a medical supply fraud scheme of more than $500,000 that involved her over-charging victims, Peel Regional Police said.

Authorities say the alleged fraudulent activity occurred over six years, from November 2015 to 2021.

The accused would over-charge patients and their insurance providers for medical supply items. Instead of the victims receiving custom-fitted products, police said many just received off-the-shelf items. 

A medical device is any instrument or component used to treat, diagnose or prevent a disease or abnormal physical condition.

According to the Government of Canada, medical devices are grouped into four classes based on the expected level of risk to a person’s health and safety. Class I medical devices (such as a thermometer) pose the lowest risk to users, while Class IV medical devices (a pacemaker) pose the highest risk.

The woman operated various businesses from her home during this time, including Nobel Wellness Inc., 403 Health Care Inc., and Soul Health Care. Police determined through the investigation that victims lost more than $500,000 as a result.

On Jan. 26, 2024, investigators arrested 58-year-old Fazileh Aqeel of Mississauga. She’s been charged with fraud of over $500,000.

“In many fraud-related cases, people in vulnerable situations are coerced, manipulated, and taken advantage of for the fraudster’s profit,” a police spokesperson wrote in a news release.

“If you have a family member or friend who is a senior or is vulnerable, share with them the fraud prevention tips found at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.”