Countless Facebook posts and a pair of sore thumbs later, and it’s sold – your Translink U-Pass. Congratulations, You managed to make a negative profit.
This News 1130 article tells the story of a former UBC student who decided to take the black market sale of U-Passes to a whole new level.
Betty Wong was busted by the Transit Police for fraud after trying to make some money by buying/selling student U-Passes. However, U-Passes are strictly limited to use only by students they are entitled to, as they are included in tuition fees. Wong is facing criminal charges and will appear in court on December 14th for the buying and selling of the bus passes through craigslist and other online mediums.
This brings up an interesting business-law debate: How should non-violent business related crimes be dealt with? Purely fiscal punishment, incarceration based, a combination?
I am interested in your opinion.