Motor vehicle salesperson’s registration revoked due to having been engaged in fraudulent transactions
- Published On
- December 14, 2022
- Category
Toronto, ON, December 14, 2022 – In a written decision released on November 17th, the License Appeal Tribunal (LAT) directed OMVIC to carry out its proposal to refuse to renew the registration of Mohammad Rafi Qasem (“Qasem”) as a motor vehicle salesperson, under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 20, Sched. B (the “Act”).
Qasem has been registered as a dealer under the Act since September 2018. He has admitted that in February 2021 he transferred two cars using two forged bills of sale, firstly to his employing dealership at the time and then to his father and grandfather. Qasem was asked by his father to look into having the transfers completed.
For that purpose, on two occasions, Qasem filled out an application for a replacement ownership on the basis that the ownership had been lost. Qasem also tendered a Bill of Sale with a forged signature transferring the vehicles to his employing dealership and subsequently to his family members.
On these above facts, the registrar found that there were reasonable grounds for belief that Qasem would not carry on business in accordance with the law and with integrity and honesty. The misconduct of Qasem was serious, and he accepted no responsibility.
In light of his admitted criminal behaviour, apparently supported by a belief that it could ever be justified under any circumstances, LAT had no confidence that Qasem can be invested with the public trust at this time, or that he will feel constrained by any conditions applied. In summary, the Tribunal directed the Registrar to carry out its proposal to refuse to renew the registration of Mohammad Rafi Qasem as a motor vehicle salesperson.
About OMVIC
OMVIC (Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council) administers and enforces the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) on behalf of the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. OMVIC maintains a fair and informed vehicle sales marketplace by regulating dealers and salespersons, regularly inspecting Ontario’s 8,000 dealerships and 30,000 salespeople, maintaining a consumer support line for consumers and conducting investigations and prosecutions (or discipline proceedings) of industry misconduct and illegal sales (curbsiding). OMVIC is also responsible for administering the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund on behalf of its Board of Trustees.