A group of fraudsters who made more than £225,000 in insurance payouts by fraudulently claiming that high-value classic cars had been stolen have been jailed.
The scam took place between 2009 and 2017 and saw those involved making bogus claims for ‘stolen’ classic cars worth between £10,000 and £25,000.
The cars – predominantly Ford Escort RS Turbos – had been sold or disposed of by their last legitimate keepers for scrap value.
The defendants then used altered photos and false number plates on genuine RS Turbos under their control to create the impression that the vehicles were in good condition.
Using fake sales invoices and fraudulently obtained MOT certificates, the scammers would insure the cars for an agreed value, wait several months and then submit bogus theft reports.
Warwickshire Police launched an investigation when suspicions were raised, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service agreeing to a total of 42 charges against 19 defendants. All 19 were convicted of fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud.
Jason Sallis of Coventry was convicted of eight counts of fraud and sentenced to 36 months in prison, while Amandeep Gill of Warwick was convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud and sentenced to 32 months in prison.
DC Alison Roberts said: “This was an elaborate scheme and for those eight years, those involved were enjoying payouts courtesy of everyone who pays for car insurance.
“It is a shame that law-abiding citizens have to pay out more on their insurance premiums because the likes of Sallis, Gill and their associates were willing to work together to create fictitious claims.
“I hope this sentence serves as a warning to others involved in these sorts of scams.
“Those involved in frauds like this should be under no illusion that they could face a custodial sentence, a criminal record and having to pay back what they have taken.”