The case of Monika Manhas is a striking example of how trust can be betrayed in the workplace. Monika, a former employee in Calgary, has been at the center of multiple allegations of fraud and theft. Over nearly a decade, she is accused of defrauding two Calgary-based companies of significant sums of money. This blog post explores the key aspects of the case, including the methods used, the timeline of events, impact on victims, legal proceedings, and lessons businesses can learn from the scandal.

Overview of Allegations

Monika Manhas, a 46-year-old resident of Gold River, B.C., has faced repeated charges of fraud and theft. Her alleged crimes span multiple years and involve two Calgary employers. Between 2016 and 2023, she worked at an orthotics and prosthetics company, where she allegedly embezzled over $575,000. Prior to this, she was charged in 2023 for defrauding an oil and gas company of $537,141 during her tenure from 2013 to 2015.

The charges arose after detailed investigations by the Calgary Police Service Economic Crimes Unit. Forensic audits revealed the extent of the financial misconduct, and both companies reported significant financial and operational impacts as a result of Monika’s alleged actions.

Methods of Fraud

Monika Manhas is accused of employing a variety of fraudulent tactics to embezzle large sums of money. These methods demonstrate a calculated exploitation of her roles within the companies:

1. Payroll Manipulation
   Monika allegedly added herself to payroll systems as a full-time salaried employee, despite being hired on a temporary or part-time basis. She reportedly authorized payments disguised as advances, reimbursements, and bonuses, funneling money directly into her accounts.

2. Credit Card Misuse
   Company credit cards became a tool for unchecked spending. Monika is accused of conducting 290 unauthorized transactions, charging extravagant and personal purchases, which she then masked as business expenses.

3. Cheque Fraud
   By abusing her access to financial instruments, Monika reportedly issued company cheques to herself. These cheques were used for personal expenses, further compounding the financial losses for both companies.

4. Misappropriation of Funds
   Investigators revealed that in some cases, she used the embezzled money to settle her personal credit card debts, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. These actions went unnoticed for extended periods due to lax financial monitoring.

Timeline of Events

Monika Manhas’s fraudulent activities trace back to her employment at two Calgary businesses. The timeline helps highlight the scale and duration of her alleged misconduct:

• 2013-2015
  Monika worked on a temporary contract at a Calgary oil and gas company. During this time, she allegedly added herself to its payroll, directing over $537,000 to herself via payroll fraud, credit card purchases, and company cheques.

• 2016-2023
  She was employed as an office manager at a Calgary orthotics and prosthetics company. Her role granted her sole access to payroll systems and bookkeeping duties. Reports indicate that during this period, Monika embezzled over $575,000 through unauthorized payments, credit card misuse, and other fraudulent activities.

• 2023
  Initial charges were brought against her for the oil and gas company case. A news release by Calgary Police prompted her previous orthotics employer to review their finances, leading to the discovery of another instance of fraud.

• 2025
  Monika faced new charges for the orthotics company case. She was arrested on January 20, 2025, and her court date was set for March 3, 2025.

Impact on Victims

The financial and emotional toll on Monika’s victims cannot be overstated. The two companies she targeted experienced severe repercussions.

Orthotics and Prosthetics Company

Jon and Myra Allen, the owners of the orthotics company, entrusted Monika with significant financial responsibilities, especially during difficult times like Myra’s illness. The fraud devastated their business, forcing layoffs and putting their retirement savings at risk. They spent $74,000 on forensic accounting to uncover the full extent of the damage, further exacerbating their financial strain. While they continue to operate with half their original staff, they describe themselves as “broke but not broken.”

Oil and Gas Company

The earlier case against Monika involved a Calgary oil and gas company where she siphoned off over $537,000. This fraud reportedly went unchecked for a long time until a suspicious transaction triggered an internal investigation. The company expressed frustration over the prolonged duration of the misconduct before it was detected.

Legal Proceedings

Monika Manhas has faced multiple legal challenges as a result of her actions.

Charges and Arrests

• Fraud and theft charges were brought against Monika for both the oil and gas company and the orthotics company cases.
• Sentencing in the oil and gas company fraud led to her serving two years in jail for theft over $5,000, with the fraud charge being withdrawn.

Upcoming Trial

• For the orthotics company case, Monika was arrested in January 2025. Court proceedings are set for March of the same year, where she faces additional charges of fraud and theft over $5,000.

Lessons for Businesses

The Monika Manhas case underscores the importance of tighter financial controls and proactive measures to prevent fraud.

1. Regular Audits and Oversight

Routine financial audits are crucial for detecting irregularities early on. External forensic audits, like the one conducted after Monika was suspected, can help uncover extensive and disguised fraud.

2. Segregation of Duties

No single employee should have complete control over payroll, bookkeeping, and financial systems. Segregating these duties ensures that one person does not wield unchecked power over company finances.

3. Implementing Checks and Balances

Employers can introduce approval processes for payments and regularly review high-value transactions to spot potential misconduct. Limiting access to company credit cards and monitoring usage can also minimize risks.

4. Foster a Culture of Accountability

Employees should feel comfortable reporting suspicious activity or unethical behavior. An anonymous reporting mechanism can encourage whistleblowing without fear of repercussions.

Key Takeaways

The Monika Manhas fraud case is a sobering reminder of how vulnerable businesses can be to internal threats. Her repeated actions demonstrate the consequences of insufficient oversight and misplaced trust. For business owners, it’s a call to action to prioritize financial security and create robust systems to safeguard against potential fraud.

While Monika’s legal battles continue, her story serves as both a cautionary tale and a learning opportunity for businesses worldwide. By implementing strong financial controls and fostering transparency, companies can better protect their resources and their employees from similar betrayals in the future.