In some cases, payment has already been made to the claimants.
Gardaí have arrested five people in an operation involving suspected bogus insurance claims.
Three males (40s, 20s & late teens) and two females (40s & late 60s) were arrested in relation to theft and fraud offences.
They are currently being detained at various garda stations in Dublin. Investigations are ongoing.
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) engaged in the operation, arising from an investigation that was related to over twenty insurance claims which had been made.
In some cases, payment has already been made to the claimants.
Investigations carried out by GNECB indicate that a number of targets in this operation have submitted multiple claims, in many circumstances while using false identities.
The suspected bogus claims involved in this case result from false claims of injury that were sustained through slips and falls.
Personnel attached to GNECB – supported by additional personnel attached to Lucan Garda Station, CAB and the Armed Support Units (ASUs) – undertook a number of searches in the west Dublin area, for the purpose of gathering additional evidence.
These searches were done with a view to submitting files to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), in an effort to prosecute those suspected of insurance related criminality.
Additionally, search warrants were issued at a number of solicitor’s offices.
Arising from these searches, six high-value cars and jewellery with a value in excess of €300,000 was also seized along with a substantial amount of documentation and financial records.
Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll, Special Crime Operations (SCO) has stated “The Garda Síochána is determined to identify all those persons who are involved in the making of bogus insurance claims and to maximise its potential to initiate prosecution, through engaging in coordinated operation activity, such as that undertaken today.
“Where financial gain has already been achieved by those involved in this form of criminality the Garda Síochána will utilise available legislation to identify relevant assets and target them for seizure.”
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