RCMP investigation requested by ICBC determines no criminal activity involved

VANCOUVER , Jan. 11 /CNW/ - RCMP today announced that their investigation into the sale of vehicles repaired at ICBC's Burnaby-based research and training facility resulted in a determination that there was no criminal activity.

The RCMP has recommended that no charges be laid against individuals employed by ICBC or against the corporation itself. Results of the investigation revealed that processes undertaken within ICBC regarding the handling of Total Loss ("write-off") cases and the purchasing of vehicles by ICBC employees through the auction process were not criminal in nature.

The investigation was requested by ICBC to review the designation and sale of vehicles repaired at the Material Damage and Research Training (MDRT) facility prior to 2008. RCMP had the full cooperation of ICBC during the investigation and conducted an extensive and thorough inquiry.

From the beginning, ICBC has been proactive in dealing with the situation and has focused on moving forward by implementing all of the recommendations of the PricewaterhouseCoopers report, which include:

    
    -   The research and training facility no longer repairs vehicles for
        sale.
    -   Employees and members of their immediate family are not permitted to
        purchase any ICBC salvage, either directly or indirectly through a
        friend, acquaintance, family member or other proxy.
    -   The repair of personal vehicles at the facility is not permitted
        under any circumstance.
    -   Policies and procedures have been updated to ensure all vehicles are
        properly designated.
    -   Launch of a free online service through icbc.com
        (https://onlinebusiness.icbc.com/vdwqs/VDWQSServlet/WelcomeAction)
        that allows customers to check a vehicle's status to determine if it
        has been involved in a crash.
    

ICBC has also followed up on its commitment to make things right with customers by contacting those who purchased vehicles repaired at MDRT, and either repurchased those vehicles or inspected and re-designated them.

For further information: Media contacts: Mark Jan Vrem, [phone]; Adam Grossman, [phone]