IFED uncovers spoof vehicle insurance scam
Five people have been arrested for developing and selling spoof vehicle insurance apps designed to con police officers during traffic stops.
This follows an investigation by the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department carried out in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police and insurance industry.
All five arrests were made in London, with the main perpetrator believed to be a former Metropolitan Police officer who was dismissed for driving without insurance,
The apps were developed to look like genuine cover at first glance and are understood to have been used by thousands of drivers. Suppliers of the apps now face criminal investigation while app users could be prosecuted for driving without insurance and risk having their vehicles seized.
Organised crime
IFED detective constable Manveen Arura 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”.
Detective constable Harry Ingham-Halshaw at the Metropolitan Police added: “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.”
