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Police raid courtesy car companies in insurance scam operation (31 March 2014)

Date: 31/03/2014
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Police raid courtesy car companies in insurance scam operation

Police officers from the insurance fraud department have arrested nine people in London as part of Operation Bugle – a nationwide investigation into courtesy car insurance fraud.

The Evening Standard reports that the raids in London were among 20 raids carried out across the UK as part of Operation Bugle. Police targeted businesses suspected of insurance fraud related to cars loaned out while motorists were having their own vehicles repaired.

In Leytonstone, north east London, a company director and four members of staff were arrested on suspicion of defrauding insurers of £117,000. Police used a specialist sniffer dog to uncover cash at the premises and also seized computer data and files.

Police in London also arrested four others in Barnet and Southgate.

A total of 17 people were arrested across the UK on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud, false representation, money laundering and forgery.

Police believe the fraud involved companies which fraudulently claimed cars were being loaned out for longer than they actually were – and also advised insurers that a more expensive car had been loaned out.

Some insurance claims involved hire vehicles which had not actually been loaned out – and on some occasions the companies put in multiple fraudulent claims for the same vehicle, claiming it had been hired out to different motorists at the same time.

Head of the insurance fraud department DCI Dave Wood told the Evening Standard:

“While insurers are the criminals’ intended victims, innocent motorists ultimately pay the price of the impact of fraud in terms of the cost of premiums.”

Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors

Duncan Lewis fraud solicitors can advise at any stage of a fraud charge, including insurance fraud scams, visa fraud, benefit fraud, corporate fraud, company fraud, financial fraud and serious fraud.

Duncan Lewis fraud solicitors are available 24/7, 365 days of the year.

For expert legal advice on fraud charges and representation contact Duncan Lewis fraud solicitors on 020 7923 4020.


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