Business Owner Accused of Insurance Fraud

The owner of a Tarzana-based painting business has been arrested on suspicion of insurance fraud, the California Department of Insurance announced. Abraham Dvir, 66-year-old owner of United Painting and Waterproofing Company, was arrested on four felony counts of premium fraud. Dvir is accused of falsifying payroll reports between 2006 and 2009 in order to reduce the cost of insurance premiums. The alleged misrepresentation led to a loss of about $112,000 in workers’ compensation premiums by the State Compensation Insurance Fund over the four year period, the department said. Dvir could face up to 15 years in prison and up to $236,000 in fines, if convicted. The insurance department’s fraud division received a suspected fraud referral from the State Compensation Insurance Fund in February, which was followed with an investigation. Dvir surrendered to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department after a warrant was issued for his arrest on Dec. 16.