Bangkok: A young man was arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau police for being part of an insurance fraud ring that orchestrated four car accidents in a single month to secure insurance claims, with damages estimated to exceed 1 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) apprehended 26-year-old Anucha, acting on a warrant from the Phra Khanong Criminal Court. Anucha faces charges of attempted fraud, fraudulently claiming benefits under an insurance policy, and presenting false evidence in a claim. His arrest occurred at his home in Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi Province.
In May 2024, Anucha reported a car accident intending to make an insurance claim. However, the insurance company identified irregularities, suspended the claim, and filed a complaint with authorities. Further investigations revealed Anucha’s ownership of four cars, which he leased for a similar period and insured with different companies. Between September and November 2013, all four vehicles were involved in accidents with similar circumstances, often ending up in water. Insurance companies faced claims exceeding 900,000 baht, with total damages surpassing 1 million baht.
The inquiry uncovered a criminal syndicate of four individuals, including Anucha, who purchased the cars in one month with a single installment payment. He orchestrated accidents using three drivers along secluded irrigation canal routes in Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Kanchanaburi provinces. Some drivers even repeated the accidents to pursue insurance claims.
Financial investigations found that compensation paid to Anucha by the insurance companies was transferred to a relative’s account, with some amounts withdrawn in cash. When police requested the examination of a submerged vehicle, the driver refused. Consequently, police gathered evidence, requested an arrest warrant, and detained Anucha. The investigation is ongoing to explore the involvement of the driver and accomplices.
In initial questioning, Anucha denied the charges, acknowledging the purchase and insurance of the cars, but claimed he transferred and sold them to another individual. He contended that he only learned of the accidents and withdrew compensation funds for personal use, denying any wrongdoing.
The Central Investigation Bureau cautions the public that presenting false evidence to defraud insurance companies is punishable under the Insurance Act of 1992 with imprisonment not exceeding three years, fines up to 300,000 baht, or both.