Former MPS officer among five arrested in spoof insurance apps crackdown
A former Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer was among five people arrested across London in an operation targeting spoof motor insurance apps.
City of London Police believes the former officer, who had previously been dismissed from the MPS for driving without insurance, was the main perpetrator.
It said this highlights “the breadth of individuals involved in the production and use of fraudulent motor insurance apps”.
The arrests followed a coordinated operation by the City of London Police, the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) and the MPS.
The investigation began after the MPS 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.
IFED’s inquiry uncovered a network selling and supplying spoof vehicle insurance ‘apps’ that drivers could present at the roadside to give the appearance of valid cover. At first glance these apps appear genuine, but they are designed to deceive police officers during traffic stops.
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.
Initial enquires suggest the apps may have been used by tens of thousands of drivers across the UK.
“The consequences are serious for everyone involved,” said City of London Police. “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.”
Detective Constable Manveen Arura in the IFED at City of London Police, 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 MPS 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.”
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.