Final Sentencing in Large Toronto Staged Collision Ring

TORONTO, March 15, 2013 /CNW/ - A 15 month jail sentence was handed out today for a tow truck driver - the last to be sentenced in the Project 92 case , a staged collision ring that operated across the Greater Toronto Area.

The ring leader in this case, Uthayakanthan Thirunavukkarasu, was sentenced last May to three and a half years in a Federal Penitentiary. A restitution order for $375,000 was also issued against Uthayakanthan Thirunavukkarasu.

Mark Livingston, the tow truck driver who was sentenced today, was found to have intentionally driven his truck into another vehicle. That vehicle was occupied by a teenager participating in the staged collision, who suffered a serious and permanent injury as a result of the incident.

"Staged collisions threaten the safety and security of everyone whether you are an innocent driver or a willing participant," said Rick Dubin, Vice President of Investigative Services at Insurance Bureau of Canada. "The Ontario government needs to immediately implement the recommendations made by the Anti-Fraud Task Force Steering Committee to address this serious and dangerous problem involving organized crime."

The arrests and sentences in Project 92 are a result of teamwork and cooperation among Toronto Police Services, Crown prosecutors, Insurance Bureau of Canada and member insurers.

IBC estimates the impact to the insurance industry from the fraud flowing from the staged collisions associated with Project 92 could be as high as $25 million.

Rick Dubin added, "Insurance crime is not victimless. The cost to everyone is reflected in the health care, emergency services, court and insurance costs resulting in higher premiums for everyone."

Insurance fraud in general comes in many forms. Often, like in this case, it's the work of organized groups or gangs. But it can also involve individuals who see an opportunity to make a few extra dollars by intentionally exaggerating an otherwise legitimate claim.

Non legitimate or exaggerated claims, staged auto collisions, heath care provider fraud and other crimes related to insurance can be reported by calling IBC's anonymous toll-free TIPS Line at 1-877-IBC-TIPS (422-8477) or submit a tip online at www.ibc.ca under Report Insurance Crime.   You can also submit tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. All tips are kept confidential.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 115,000 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $44 billion.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or like us on Facebook.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE: INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA

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Steve Kee 
Director, Media Relations
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-362-2031 ext. 4387
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