Police are appealing for assistance from the community as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance fraud, NSW Police say.
In August 2016, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Fraud and Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Ravens to investigate criminal syndicates targeting the CTP insurance scheme following recommendations of the CTP Task Force.
The CTP Task Force is a NSW Government initiative coordinated by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), involving representatives from various government agencies and legal, health, and insurance sectors.
As part of ongoing inquiries, Strike Force Ravens detectives executed two search warrants on Wednesday yesterday and conducted a vehicle recovery operation today.
During the search warrants at offices in Auburn and Bankstown, police seized a variety of documents and electronic storage devices for forensic examination.
Strike force officers were assisted by Marine Area Command and the Police Divers for the salvage operation from the Georges River at Floyds Bay Boat Ramp, Lansvale.
A vehicle was retrieved and seized for forensic examination.
NSW Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello said Green Slip fraud was costing all motorists through higher premiums.
"Make no mistake; this isn’t just a fraud against insurance companies. This is a fraud against every motorist that pays a Green Slip," Mr Dominello said.
"Every NSW motorist is paying a higher Green Slip premium because of this illegal and unethical behaviour."
Fraud and Cybercrime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis, said investigators believe a sophisticated syndicate is targeting the CTP scheme.
"Our inquiries have revealed similar inconsistencies in hundreds of claims, which we suspect is the work of an organised group," Det Supt Katsogiannis said.
"As we appeal to the community for information that may assist us with our ongoing inquiries, I am also warning anyone who may be involved in making or assisting with false CTP claims to expect a visit from Strike Force Ravens detectives very soon.
"It’s also timely to remind legal and medical professionals to conduct due diligence when dealing with claimants to ensure your integrity is not being compromised.
"Fraudulent claims cost the scheme millions of dollars every year, which is funded by premiums paid by law-abiding vehicle owners, like you and me," Det Supt Katsogiannis said.
Investigations under Strike Force Ravens are continuing and further police operations are expected.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to CTP Green Slip fraud to call Crime Stoppers.
