Police dive into river to recover car in CTP fraud investigation

POLICE divers assisted Strike Force Ravens in a salvaging a car from Georges River at Floyds Bay Boat Ramp, Lansvale.

Fraud investigators recover a car related to the investigation from the Georges River at the Floyds Bay Boat Ramp, Lansvale on April 6, seizing it for forensic examination. Picutre: NSW Police

POLICE divers assisted officers from Strike Force Ravens in a salvage operation, retrieving a car from Georges River at Floyds Bay Boat Ramp in Lansvale yesterday.

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 in August, 2016.

Police recover a car as part of the investigations into CTP fraud from the Georges River at the Floyds Bay Boat Ramp, Lansvale on Thursday April 6, seizing it for forensic examination. Picture: Supplied

The CTP Task Force is a NSW Government initiative co-ordinated by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), involving representatives from various government agencies and legal, health, and insurance sectors.

As part of ongoing inquiries, detectives from Strike Force Ravens executed two search warrants on Wednesday, April 5 and conducted a vehicle recovery operation yesterday.

A car is towed from Floyds Bay Baot Ramp, Lansvale as part of the investigation into CTP fraud claims. Picture: Supplied

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.

Car recovered by police from the Georges River at the Floyds Bay Boat Ramp, Lansvale on April 6, 2017 and seize it for forensic examination. Picture: Supplied.

“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.

Supt Katsogiannis also added a reminder to legal and medical professionals about due diligence when dealing with claimants to make sure integrity is not 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.

During search warrants at offices in Auburn and Bankstown, police seized a variety of documents and electronic storage devices for forensic examination and a vehicle was retrieved and seized for forensic examination.

Raid in Auburn on Wednesday, April 5 as part of Strike Force Ravens’ CTP Green Slip insurance fraud operation investigations. Picture: Supplied.

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.”

Police recover a car related to the investigation from the Georges River at the Floyds Bay Boat Ramp, Lansvale. Picture: NSW Police Force.

Investigations under Strike Force Ravens are continuing and further police operations are expected.

Police are appealing for assistance from the community as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance fraud.