California Welder Arraigned on Felony Workers’ Comp Fraud Charges

Ahmad Zaki Noori, 41, of Sacramento, Calif., was arraigned on two felony counts of workers’ compensation insurance fraud after allegedly misrepresenting symptoms following a work-related injury in order to receive $21,000 in undeserved benefits.

On July 16, 2019, Noori, while working as a welder, sustained a head injury and contusions on multiple parts of his body. Following his injury, a workers’ comp claim was filed with his employer’s insurance company and Noori began receiving payments. Following the injury, Noori reportedly presented himself as someone with severe amnesia and as someone who had difficulty performing daily functions of living, like speaking, walking or driving.

An investigation by the California Department of Insurance reportedly showed Noori misrepresented his symptoms to medical professionals and those handling his claim. Undercover surveillance showed Noori speaking, walking, and driving – all functions he claimed not to be able to do as a result of the injury. The surveillance also reportedly showed him performing duties at an automobile dismantling yard, like loading items onto a flatbed trailer and changing a spare tire.

Noori reportedly received $21,000 in workers’ comp payments and his employers’ insurance company lost an additional $80,679 in medical, legal and investigation costs.

Noori was arrested at his residence on April 13. He is scheduled to return to court on May 20. The case is being prosecuted by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

Topics California Fraud Workers' Compensation