7:10am Thursday 6th January 2011

http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/8772346.Man_arrested_over_fraud_and_money_laundering_offences/

A 31-year-old man was yesterday arrested on suspicion of being an illegal insurance adviser during a raid on a Wandsworth home.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police’s (Met) Fraud Squad descended on an address in Wandsworth where they recovered a large stash of insurance documentation.

They also seized some computer hard drives and mobile phones from the property.

The man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering offences and conspiracy to defraud - particularly targeting members of the Chinese community and students.

He was taken to a central London police station where he was bailed pending further enquiries.

Detective Constable Grahame Macfarlane, from the Met’s Fraud Squad, said: “This arrest comes as a result of partnership working with the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) and we are proud to be supporting their campaign to raise awareness among Londoners, especially members of the Chinese community and students about insurance fraud.

“Our advice to anyone thinking of using an insurance adviser would be to research that individual or company thoroughly, check that they are registered with the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) or the Financial Services Authority and always ensure that you are happy you are giving your money to a reputable and regulated company or individual.”

IFB Director Glen Marr, who is heading the campaign, added: “Together with our industry partners, the Association of British Insurers and BIBA and the Met we have launched an awareness campaign to educate the vulnerable communities being targeted by illegal insurance advisers including students.

“The insurance industry takes all form of insurance fraud very seriously and the IFB will continue to work with its insurer customers and law enforcement to tackle this crime and to protect the interests of genuine insurance consumers.

“For anyone who is concerned they may have been the victim of an illegal insurance adviser, or who has knowledge or suspicions of those concerned with such activities, we urge them to call the confidential IFB Cheatline on 0800 328 2550, or report online by visiting the IFB website - insurancefraudbureau.org.”