Fraud Not Theft … face the facts!

Insurance industry collaboration key to Essex Police vehicle fraud conviction

Specialist motor insurance loss adjuster Claims Management & Adjusting (CMA), part of the QuestGates Group, has praised Essex Police after Zeki Ibrahim, 43, of Romford, was found guilty of fraud by false representation in relation to a crashed BMW.

Essex Police had already found the sporty blue BMW M235i, crashed into a tree and abandoned, when Mr Ibrahim falsely reported it stolen. Initially taking him at his word, they issued a crime reference number. Unfortunately for the crook, the insurer was a CMA client. His claim was automatically referred for analysis and flagged as suspicious. Further investigation confirmed fraud not theft. The police returned to Mr Ibrahim, who, when presented with CMA’s evidence, confessed.

On 14 October 2024, Mr Ibrahim appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court and was found guilty under the Fraud Act 2006. Due to entering a guilty plea and “strong personal mitigation”, his 12-week prison sentence was suspended. He must, however, undertake rehabilitation activity and pay £1,159.45 to insurers in compensation.

Philip Swift, a former police detective, now Technical Director at CMA, commented: “While the suspended custodial sentence is lenient in our opinion, we thank Essex Police for what is still a great result. This case is a perfect example of the modern insurance industry and law enforcement working in partnership. It is a sign of things to come and should serve as a warning to anyone contemplating making a spurious car insurance claim. A crime reference number is no longer your golden ticket to a guaranteed payout.

“Without revealing too much about our process, there were aspects to this claim which immediately set alarm bells ringing. A keyless theft generally indicates professional criminal involvement, whereas wrapping the newly acquired asset around a nearby tree suggested quite the opposite.

“Our unique methodology is in some respects based on the 20-year-old Kent Police initiative, Project Igneous, which revealed that up to 30% of vehicle theft claims are likely dishonest in some way. Since joining QuestGates in January this year, CMA’s capacity has been turbocharged. On behalf of the UK insurance industry and honest motorists, we are identifying ever more suspicious claims, providing much-needed support for our overworked police forces.”