Ghost Brokers. Gardaí make arrests as more than 600 motor insurance policies cancelled.

Gardaí have arrested four people and insurers have cancelled more than 600 motor insurance policies following an investigation into ghost brokers operating in Dublin.

An Garda Siochaná has conducted a number of searches over the past few days with one person appearing before Trim District Court and being charged in connection with theft and fraud offences.

The hundreds of insurance policies which were fraudulently obtained through the alleged ghost brokering activities will now be cancelled.

The Dublin Metropolitan Region Roads Policing Division have been working closely with the Criminal Assets Bureau and the insurance companies as a result of this operation. A garda spokesman said:

"As this is an ongoing incident it is not proposed to provide a spokesperson of more information at this time,"

The Head of Fraud with Aviva Insurance, Rob Smyth said that ultimately it is the customers who end up paying for the criminal activities of these ghost brokers.

“A customer who buys insurance through a 'Ghost Broker' may be liable for some or all payments paid out by the insurance company. In these circumstances, where a customer purchases a counterfeit motor insurance policy their car is not validly insured, and they may be convicted of a road traffic offence and have their car seized by the Gardaí.

“Aviva is committed to recovering any costs associated with the illegal practice of ghost broking.

“Ultimately, these unauthorised brokers may be increasing the cost of car insurance premiums for all customers as well as increasing the number of non-insured drivers on our roads. Aviva support all measures which reduce car insurance fraud.

“Therefore, we welcome the actions of the Gardaí in investigating instances of and prosecuting fraud cases where there is clear evidence of fraud.”

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Justin Kavanagh
Justin Kavanagh is a recognised leader in automotive intelligence and vehicle data supply to the entire motor industry. He has almost 20 years experience in building systems from the ground up. As the Managing Director of Vehicle Management System, he understands the need and importance of trustworthy and reliable vehicle history and advice to both the trade and the public.
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