THE police investigation into a crash for cash scam in Huddersfield has now led to 25 arrests.
A week-long operation has seen dozens of officers raiding homes right across Huddersfield.
Apart from the 25 arrests police have seized cars, cash and jewellery totalling £200,000.
The investigation called Operation Thatcham centres around a claims management company and involves alleged ‘staged’ car crashes and fraudulent insurance and personal injury claims.
The long-running investigation involves officers from the Kirklees Proceeds of Crime Team and CID, along with the Ministry of Justice and the Insurance Fraud Bureau.
Over the past week warrants and arrests were carried out in Birkby, Salendine Nook, Lockwood, Primrose Hill, Thornton Lodge, Crosland Moor, Fartown, Huddersfield town centre, Savile Town, Briestfield, Dewsbury Moor along with Leeds, Halifax and Blackburn.
The 22 men and three women were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud and deception offences and have all been bailed pending further inquiries.
So far prestige cars worth an estimated £150,000, cash totalling £20,000 and jewellery worth £15,000 were seized and officers are now making inquiries into their origins.
If it can be established that any of the cars, cash or jewellery were acquired as a result of crime, officers will apply to the courts to confiscate it.
The cash, or any money raised through the sale of the items, would then be used to fund community projects and fund further financial investigations.
Officers are continuing inquiries into the alleged scam and are appealing for the public’s help.
Det Insp Andy White, of Kirklees CID, said: “All motorists ultimately become victims of ‘crash for cash’ scams because they drive up insurance premiums and leave us all out of pocket.”
Anyone with information can contact Det Con Mark Lunn on 01924 295311 or 0845 6060606.
