RIGA - The Riga Regional Court has fined former Health Minister Aris Auders, who was accused of patient fraud, with 13,500 lats (19,200 euros) or 150 minimum monthly wages.
The court ruled Auders guilty of abusing his patients' trust and cheating money out of them. The former minister scammed a total of 77 people, earning 41,808 lats. Auders also fraudulently took money from insurance companies, sickness funds and local governments.
On top of his fine, the court will collect nearly 9,500 lats from the Latvian, in favor of patients and insurance companies.
In its judgment, the court said that Auders succeeded in duping people because of deficiencies in the health care system. Therefore, the cournt will recommend the Health Ministry to improve its system.
Auders' lawyer, Oskars Rode, said he would file an appeal.
