Five people, including a former Metropolitan Police officer, have been arrested across London today in a crackdown on a network selling spoof vehicle insurance ‘apps’. The police warned that initial enquiries suggest the apps may have been used by tens of thousands of drivers across the UK. The investigation began after the Metropolitan Police uncovered some fraudulent websites, seizing the databases and taking down and interrogating the domains. This led to the discovery of thousands of fraudulent insurance certificates and suspect details.
The Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department inquiry uncovered a network supplying the apps that drivers could present at the roadside to give the appearance of valid cover. The police noted that at first glance these apps appear genuine, but stressed they are designed to deceive officers during traffic stops.The police noted that at first glance these apps appear genuine, but stressed they are designed to deceive officers during traffic stops.
Former Met officer The main perpetrator is believed to be a former Metropolitan Police officer who had previously been dismissed from the force for driving without insurance. The police acknowledged the development highlights the breadth of individuals involved in the production and use of fraudulent motor insurance apps. The coordinated enforcement activity in London forms part of a wider UK effort to disrupt the supply chain for these fraudulent services and to identify both the developers and the users of the apps.
Serious consequences The police highlighted the serious consequences for everyone involved. Suppliers of the apps face criminal investigation and potential charges for their offences. Users of the apps can face prosecution for driving without insurance and risk having their vehicles seized by police.
Arrests The arrests followed on from the coordinated operation by the City of London Police, IFED and the Metropolitan Police Service.Those arrested include an 18-year-old man and a 21-year-old man from Chafford Hundred, both arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation. They have since been released under investigation. Additionally, a 19-year-old man from Essex, a 22-year-old man from Dagenham and a 26-year-old man from Essex were arrested on suspicion of supplying articles for the use of fraud. They have since been remanded in custody to appear in court in March.
No one is above the law Detective constable Manveen Arura at IFED said: “Those supplying the apps are working hand in glove with organised criminals. We will dismantle their networks and hold them to account. “Thanks to close collaboration between the insurance industry, City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police, suspects have been arrested and the detention of a former Met officer underscores that no one is above the law.”
Criminal network Detective Constable Harry Ingham-Halshaw at the Metropolitan Police said: “The Metropolitan Police Cyber Crime Unit identified several fraudulent websites spoofing legitimate insurance companies. “After interrogating the databases behind the criminal service, we have identified, arrested and dismantled this criminal network. We will continue arresting those responsible, ensuring the safety of London’s roads are maintained.” Last July, IFED leader Detective Chief Inspector Nik Jethwa, told Insurance Age why he was optimistic about the outlook for fighting insurance fraud with industry collaboration and education making a difference.
