Police issue urgent warning to drivers as officers crack down on new car scam

The City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department has carried out a series of warrants as part of a targeted operation into suspected crash-for-cash trend

Motorists have been given a stark warning about a major clampdown on crash-for-cash scams across England. The City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) has carried out a string of raids throughout London. The police action forms part of a focused investigation into suspected ‘crash-for-cash’ schemes connected to moped workshops.

Officers executed five search warrants at two homes and four garages, situated in East and South London. The coordinated raids received backing from various partners: the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Motorcycle Safety Team, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

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The primary suspect believed to be masterminding the ‘crash-for-cash’ operation was detained, whilst crucial digital equipment thought to hold proof of orchestrated crashes was seized for forensic examination.

Officers retrieved three stolen motorcycles from the garage sites, with one already having been refurbished. Multiple other bikes flagged by IFB were discovered to have featured in numerous staged crashes, revealing the extent of the alleged fraud, reports Birmingham Live.

Detective Chief Inspector Nik Jethwa from City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department, said: “Crash-for-cash fraud isn’t just a financial crime – it’s a dangerous tactic that puts innocent people directly in harm’s way.

“These staged collisions can lead to real injuries and even fatalities, and the criminals behind them show complete disregard for public safety in pursuit of illicit gain”.

The chief added: “Disrupting this type of activity is a core focus of IFED’s work. We remain relentless in pursuing offenders, working closely with our enforcement and industry partners to target these networks and bring those responsible to justice”.

“This operation is a clear example of the power of joint working to dismantle organised fraud. We want to send a strong message.”

The message being: “The safety of the public comes first, and there is no place to hide for those who seek to exploit and endanger others through insurance fraud”.

Members of the public with information about suspected crash-for-cash activity or fraudulent garage operations are urged to report it to Action Fraud or the Insurance Fraud Bureau’s CheatLine.