March 4th 2024.
According to a recent report by ABC News, a highly concerning case has come to light in New York. The report reveals that Valor Security and Investigations, along with six of its executives, have been charged with running a fraudulent safety school. This school allegedly provided false certifications to thousands of construction workers, falsely claiming that they were adequately trained. The scheme, which was uncovered by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, is believed to have had serious consequences, including at least one fatality.
The tragic loss of life occurred in 2022, when Ivan Frias fell from the 15th floor of a construction site on the Upper West Side. The indictment against Valor Security and Investigations states that between December 2019 and April 2023, the company claimed to have trained 20,000 construction workers. They asserted that these workers had undergone 40 hours of instruction and were fully trained in all safety aspects. However, prosecutors argue that this was not the case. They allege that the company issued "thousands and thousands" of safety certificates and cards without providing any actual training. These fraudulent site safety training cards came at a cost, with fees ranging from $300 to $600.
"This kind of fraud has dire consequences. It can literally mean life or death," warned District Attorney Bragg, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He particularly emphasized the importance of safety in the construction industry, where the risks are high. It is worth noting that safety training has been a legal requirement for construction workers in New York since 2017.
The charges brought against Valor Security and Investigations include enterprise corruption, along with charges against the company's president, Alexander Shaporov, and five other employees. Additionally, nineteen alleged brokers, including two master plumbers, are facing charges of criminal possession of a forged instrument. As a result, the plumbers' licenses have been suspended.
Prosecutors have presented evidence, including text messages and emails allegedly sent by Shaporov, instructing his employees to falsify records for trainees who did not have the required safety cards. The indictment also mentions Ivan Frias' case, where Valor Security allegedly certified that Frias had completed 10 hours of safety training, including eight hours of fall protection.
New York City Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo expressed outrage at the news, stating, "I think every New Yorker has a right to be a little disgusted." The department is currently considering revoking Valor's license to issue safety cards. In the meantime, Oddo urged any construction workers who received cards from Valor to seek retraining. He stressed the importance of addressing the potential risks associated with fraudulent certifications.
All defendants were arrested on Wednesday morning, and they are expected to appear in court later that day. This shocking case serves as a reminder of the importance of proper safety training and the severe consequences that can result from fraud. As we wait for more information to come to light, it is essential to remember and honor the life of Ivan Frias and the countless other workers who have been put at risk due to these alleged fraudulent actions.
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