Ontario Provincial Police have charged eight people following a wide-ranging investigation into alleged fraud within Ontario’s driving instruction industry.
Police say suspects from Brampton, Caledon, Oshawa, North York, Georgetown, and Kingston now face multiple criminal charges tied to improper Class A road test approvals. The investigation began in January 2024 after a request from Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation.
According to the OPP Serious Fraud Office, the investigation uncovered alleged bribe payments made in exchange for favourable consideration during Class A driver road examinations. Police say the examinations took place in Kingston and across the Greater Toronto Area.
Police have identified the accused as Jaspal Benipal, 58, Harmandeep Sudan, 40, and Navdeep Grewal, 36, all of Brampton. Also charged are Vishnu Ayyamperumal Kumar, 36, of Oshawa, Victor Imade, 55, of Georgetown, Imraan Jaffer, 43, of North York, Craig Berry, 54, of Kingston, and Mandeep Manshahia, 34, of Caledon.
Police say each individual faces multiple charges related to the alleged scheme.
A Class A driver’s licence permits operation of tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles with a combined gross weight of 4,600 kilograms or more. Police stress the licence category carries a high level of responsibility due to public safety risks tied to heavy commercial trucking.
Police say the two-year probe resulted in eight arrests and a total of 24 criminal charges. Alleged offences include money laundering, breach of trust, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and secret commissions.
All accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on Thursday, police say.
The OPP confirm the investigation remains active. Police urge anyone with relevant information to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips also remain available through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through the Crime Stoppers website. Tipsters remain anonymous and qualify for a reward of up to $2,000.
The Ministry of Transportation has revoked licences from at least 66 driving schools across Ontario in recent years. The ministry continues to warn students against fraudulent practices, including promises of guaranteed licences or passing grades without completing a road test.
