Report Man Arrested for Staging Car Crashes in Insurance Scam

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Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a startling case of insurance fraud, the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) has apprehended a 26-year-old man, Anucha, for faking four car accidents in just one month. This elaborate scam resulted in damages exceeding one million baht. His accomplices are currently under investigation.

 

Led by Police Colonel Krit Worathat, the arrest occurred today in Ratchaburi after a warrant was issued by the Phra Khanong Criminal Court. Anucha faces charges of attempted fraud and submitting fraudulent insurance claims.

 

The investigation into Anucha's activities began in May 2024, when an insurance firm flagged suspicious behaviour. His claim that a vehicle plunged into water in Nakhon Pathom triggered closer scrutiny, leading to a suspension of insurance payouts due to uncovered irregularities.

 

Digging deeper, the authorities discovered Anucha owned four cars through short-term leasing agreements. From September to November 2023, a pattern emerged: all four vehicles were involved in remarkably similar accidents, each reportedly losing control and ending up submerged. Three different drivers were allegedly behind the wheel at these times.

 

Thus far, insurance companies have disbursed over 900,000 baht (approximately 27,745 USD), with potential further claims pushing the total damages above one million baht (around 30,865 USD).

 

This clever scheme was reportedly orchestrated by a group of four, including Anucha himself. He rapidly leased the vehicles, making minimal payments before staging the "accidents" on isolated roads along irrigation canals in several provinces: Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Kanchanaburi.

 

Shockingly, some of the involved drivers were said to have driven into water twice in quick succession to cash in on comprehensive insurance claims, claiming irreparable damage. Financial traces revealed that insurance payouts were transferred to the accounts of relatives or withdrawn in cash.

 

When the police asked to inspect the submerged vehicles, Anucha's noncompliance led to his arrest. During questioning, he denied full involvement, admitting only to buying and insuring the cars. He claimed to have transferred ownership and withdrew funds without knowledge of the fraudulent activities. The investigation continues as authorities seek the remaining drivers and accomplices.

 

This intricate fraud case highlights both the vulnerabilities and the diligence required in the insurance sector and law enforcement's ongoing role in combating such crimes.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-25

 

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