LOCAL : 31 Arrested in Suspected O.C. Auto Insurance Fraud Scheme
Culminating a two-year investigation, the California Highway Patrol today announced the arrest of 31 people linked to alleged fraudulent auto insurance claims that paid the suspects more than $1 million.
The case, which involves the alleged staging of vehicle collisions to look like accidents, is believed to be the largest in Orange County history, the CHP said.
Nine insurance companies were allegedly victimized, and some of the people arrested were employees, said Dan McNerney, deputy Orange County district attorney. There were no claims for personal injury, just for damage to vehicles, he said.
The investigation was headed by officers in the CHP’s Santa Ana headquarters and included two other Southern California regional offices of the CHP, the officer said.
The suspects were arrested Tuesday, and their arraignment was scheduled today in Orange County Superior Court.
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