A Richmond-based translator has been charged with fraud after allegedly helping hundreds of people cheat their driving knowledge tests.

Amjed Jamo, 50, appeared at Richmond Provincial Court on Wednesday charged with committing fraud under $5,000 against ICBC over a five-month period ending Nov. 3, 2017.

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According to court documents, Jamo, an ICBC-approved translator, is accused of helping mostly Arabic speakers during their tests with a series of codes and hand gestures.

An investigation by the RCMP and ICBC alleges that Jamo received a fee in return for his help.

Up to 300 drivers had to re-take their test, with ICBC declaring many licences invalid – almost quarter of the drivers that had passed failed a re-test.

An ICBC spokesperson told CTV that the “overwhelming majority” of its 600 approved translators, that can work in 50 languages and dialects, follow its Code of Conduct.

Jamo is due back in court next month.