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New York State Insurance Fund Chief Deputy Executive Director Francine James today announced the arrest of a Florida real estate agent for committing insurance fraud against NYSIF.
Ben Keskin, 52, a resident of Florida, was arrested October 19 during an appearance at the Workers’ Compensation Board in Riverhead, New York.
“Sometimes it takes an extra effort to make a fraud arrest and we will go the extra mile even if an investigation takes us well beyond New York’s borders,” said Ms. James. “Those who would contemplate fraud should realize leaving New York won’t get them off the hook.”
In 2008 and 2009, Mr. Keskin was found to be selling real estate in Celebration, Florida and from 2007 to 2009 he submitted several forms to NYSIF indicating that he was not employed. Keskin has been a licensed real estate agent in Florida since 2006.
It is alleged that he defrauded NYSIF of $63,760.
Mr. Keskin sustained a work-related injury in January 1995 while employed at an aircraft parts factory in Deer Park, New York. He was designated as permanently partially disabled and was receiving $400 weekly in workers’ compensation benefits.
The arrest was made by detectives assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
The potential future savings to NYSIF would be approximately $200,000 if Mr. Keskin is convicted.
Indictments and criminal complaints are accusations only. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.