Victoria Police Vehicle Crime Squad Detectives, with the assistance of police from North West Metro, CIRT, Forensic Services Department &Transport Branch have executed a number of warrants this week as part of Operation Contract, Victoria Police say.
Operation Contract is an investigation into an organised crime syndicate allegedly conducting staged motor vehicle collisions with the intent to commit insurance fraud.
Fourteen warrants were executed in Melbourne’s northern and north western suburbs on Tuesday 27 June at both business addresses and private residences.
The warrants were executed at Hadfield, Taylors Lakes, Craigieburn, Epping, Campbellfield Coolaroo Pascoe Vale South, Coburg and Kings Park.
Police checked over two hundred and fifty vehicles as part of the operation and seized thirteen in total, five of which are alleged to be stolen.
Some of the vehicles seized included a Maserati, Mercedes and Audis.
Detectives arrested four people in relation to alleged fraud, believed to be totalling well over $1 million.
A 35-year-old Hadfield man, 33-year-old Hadfield man, 45-year-old Coburg man and a 75-year-old Epping man have been released pending further enquiries.
Anyone with any information in relation to staged motor vehicle collision or motor vehicle insurance fraud is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
