NINE people were arrested in a police operation into suspected insurance fraud or a so-called “cash for crash”

insurance scam as part of a Gwent Police operation.

Officers from Operation Dino working with colleagues in South Wales Police and the Insurance Fraud Bureau arrested seven men and two women, aged between 29 and 49 and from Blackwood, Cefn Forest, New Tredegar, Pontypridd and Caerphilly, at eight commercial and residential properties last week.

All were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to defraud the insurance industry, and all nine were bailed pending further inquiries.

Officers recovered documentary evidence during searches of the properties, as well as live ammunition from one address. Cash was also seized.

Detective Inspector Jeremy Rogers said: “Gangs involved in insurance scams put lawabiding road users at risk of serious injury or worse.

“These kinds of scams also cost the insurance industry millions of pounds and much of this money ends up being paid by innocent motorists through increased insurance premiums.”

Gwent Police called for anyone with concerns about similar scams to call 101 or the IFB’s cheatline on 0800 422 0421.