Four more held in 'cash for crash' probe

Four addresses in London, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire were visited by police looking into an organised crime enterprise believed to be staging motor vehicle accidents and conspiring to defraud insurance companies.

Codenamed Operation Mysterious, the investigation is being led by Hertfordshire Police's serious and organised crime group and also involves the Insurance Fraud Bureau.

During phase one of the operation, nine people were arrested including drivers, a vehicle recovery agent and an insurance vehicle examiner. They have been charged with conspiracy to defraud insurance companies and currently await trial. To date assets estimated to be in excess of £2 million have been identified.

Detective Chief Inspector John Chapman said today: "This is the latest phase of a complex investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary into staged accidents and fraudulent motor insurance claims. We have continued to work closely with our partners in the insurance industry as well as the Crown Prosecution Service.

"This is a developing crime type that members of the public may not be aware of and has the potential to net criminals large amounts of money. The consequences of this are that insurance premiums are inflated and money is laundered to fund other serious types of crime."

John Beadle, chairman of the Insurance Fraud Bureau, said: "The success of this operation sends a very clear message to those criminals involved in this type of crime - the insurance industry is no longer an easy touch, we know who you are and we will continue to work closely with our colleagues in the police to bring you to justice."