Lancashire Detectives and Uniform Police executed dawn raids on a number of addresses in the Nelson area in Lancashire resulting in six arrests. Three local men have been charged with conspiracy to steal from insurance companies and money laundering whilst the remaining three remain in custody assisting detectives with enquiries. Further arrests are anticipated.
This is a result of a ground breaking two year joint investigation code named Flash with Lancashire Police and the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB). The operation involved individuals allegedly submitting false household claims and as a part of the investigation, property believed to be have been fraudulently obtained has been retained by the Police.
The IFB contacted detectives at Lancashire Police after its members identified in excess of 100 potentially suspect claims. Individually these claims were designed to appear independent, but upon investigation, the insurance industry discovered they were in fact linked in a number of ways.
John Beadle, Chairman of the Insurance Fraud Bureau said: “This shows the positive results that can be achieved by the insurance industry and law enforcement working in unison.
This latest operation and arrests highlight how the IFB is currently working with members to expand its remit beyond crash for cash scams. “The cost of fraud adds on average £44 to every policyholder’s insurance premium annually”
The man leading the investigation for Lancashire Police, Det Insp Dave Groombridge said: “We are aware that those who flaunt the trappings of wealth where there is no discernable source of income cause the good, honest and hardworking residents of the area to feel angry and disheartened. In an effort to reverse this negative trend and bring to justice those who feel they are untouchable in their criminal activities a protracted investigation over a two year period involving local detectives and the Insurance Fraud Bureau has resulted in this policing operation. The disruption activity will continue over the next few days and further arrests are anticipated.”
