The largest car insurance fraud investigation in the UK has concluded today, Thursday December 17, with the total number of people convicted reaching 81.
Operation Dino was started by Gwent Police almost four-and-a-half years ago, initially to investigate cycle and motorbike theft, but a warrant carried out at a garage in Pengam led to the uncovering of a large scale scam which cost the insurance industry £763,068.
The garage, known as both St David’s Crash Repair and Easifix, was owned by the Yandell family, who offered to fake crash damage so that friends and relatives could make bogus insurance claims.
However, they were caught on camera by their own CCTV, which officers had seized during the raid.
Byron Yandell, 32, Peter Yandell, 53, Rachel Yandell, 31, Gavin Yandell, 31, and Michelle Yandell, 52, were all jailed for between six and two years for their part in the scam.
Catrin Evans, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Wales Complex Casework Unit, said: “This ‘cash-for-crash’ operation was a highly-organised, calculated and extensive conspiracy to defraud.
“It involved defendants participating in the arrangement of fake road traffic accidents and insurance fraud. The vast majority of cars supposedly involved in these fake accidents were recovered to a single garage that was at the centre of the criminal operation.
“A number of members of the Yandell family, who owned the garage, are now serving substantial custodial sentences for the significant parts they played at the head of this organised crime group.
“This case has been unprecedented for us in Wales, both in terms of its complexity and the number of defendants involved. Over a two-year period, the sheer volume of evidence relating to the charges created many challenges.
“It is testament to the thoroughness and professionalism of the investigation and prosecution teams that 81 people have now been convicted of criminal offences relating to this activity. Indeed, over 70 of those pleaded guilty when the strength of the prosecution case against them became apparent. This was achieved through close co-operation between police and prosecution teams, especially at the early planning stages of the police operation. Together, their drive, dedication and commitment has brought these fraudsters to justice.”
Ben Fletcher, director of the Insurance Fraud Bureau, said “Crash for cash scams, such as Operation Dino, have a real impact on society, putting the lives of innocent people at risk and costing honest policy holders almost £350m each year.
“These investigations and convictions send a powerful message to the public that if you are committing insurance fraud then the risk of being caught and prosecuted is very real. The IFB works alongside insurers and police forces up and down the country to detect fraudsters and bring them to justice.”
Gwent Police Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Richard Williams said: “Motor Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime and law abiding motorists pick up the bill for fraudsters. Pre-planned scams cost the motor insurance industry and policyholders millions of pounds every year and our job is to bring those involved to justice.
“We are very pleased with the outcome of this investigation and the sentences passed by the Judge reflect the seriousness of the crimes.”
The defendants at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday December 17
- Bethan Palmer, 26, from Newport, guilty of conspiracy to defraud and perverting the course of justice
- Stephen Pegram, 49, from Blackwood, guilty of conspiracy to defraud
- Nicola Cook, 41, from Hengoed, guilty of conspiracy to defraud
- Nicola Rees, 48, from Bargoed, Caerphilly County, guilty of conspiracy to defraud
- Stephen Brooks, 45, from Llanedeyrn, Cardiff, guilty of conspiracy to defraud
- Adam Fear, 27, from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff, not guilty of conspiracy to defraud
- Matthew Davies, 33, from Pontypridd, not guilty of conspiracy to defraud