In coordinated action across Gwent and South Wales, officers made the arrests following an investigation into suspicious claims referred by insurers and the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB).
Arrests this week mark the latest stage of Operation Dino, which has already seen 34 people arrested, all of whom remain on Police bail. The investigation focuses on a repair garage called ‘EASIFIX’, formerly known as ‘St David’s Crash Repair’.
Ben Fletcher, Head of Operations at the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), said:“These arrests are a clear statement of intent from both the insurance industry and the police to tackle organised insurance fraud. The IFB continues to work alongside Gwent Police in investigating and dismantling this suspected criminal network in Wales. Around £50 is added to every premium to cover the costs of fraud, so honest policyholders ultimately pick up the bill for ‘Crash for Cash’ gangs motivated by greed.
“Unfortunately, ‘Crash for Cash’ scams are being plotted up and down the country. The IFB is currently managing 40 live Operations with police forces across the UK. The collective value of the scams under investigations tops £66.6 million. Fraudsters will be caught and will face the full force of the law.”
Detective Chief Inspector Jeremy Rogers, who heads up Operation Dino, commented:“Motor insurance fraud is not a victimless crime and law abiding motorists pick up the bill for fraudsters. Pre-planned scams cost the motor insurance industry and policyholders millions of pounds every year and our job is to bring those involved to justice.
“These arrests are the latest, but by no means final stage of our operation to dismantle a ‘Crash for Cash’ scam operating in Gwent. We suspect more people were involved and I would urge them to come forward and make contact with Gwent Police before we make contact with them”.
