Serial Fraudster Choudhury Jailed for Faking Car Crash Claims
Choudhury was slammed with a six-month prison sentence on Monday, 14 February 2022, at Inner London Crown Court. He had already pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation back in August 2021.
Master of Multiple Aliases Caught Out
Detective Sergeant Jamie Kirk of the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) blasted Choudhury for his relentless scams. “He really has carved a name for himself as a serial fraudster,” Kirk said. “He was jailed for similar offences in 2017 but didn’t learn his lesson. Hopefully, this time prison will teach him that no matter how many names you hide behind, you will be caught out in the end.”
Conning Insurers with Fake Names and Bogus Claims
- In August 2017, Choudhury took out a car insurance policy with Hastings Direct under the name ‘Mario Valentino’.
- He claimed nine years no claims bonus and no criminal record – both lies.
- Hastings Direct received a crash report involving Choudhury’s car just weeks later but couldn’t get hold of him.
- When he finally called back, Choudhury denied the collision linked to the claim but admitted to a different, unrelated accident he supposedly settled privately.
- Assessment of his silver Audi revealed damage inconsistent with the reported crash, raising suspicions.
Web of Deceit Unravels
Choudhury also lied about another incident involving a hit-and-run, naming a ‘Jamail Caan’ as a witness. Checking authorities found that these aliases—Mario Valentino, Carlos Doir, and Jamail Caan—were all linked to Choudhury via his driving licence and online records.
Further probes uncovered 17 different aliases and a history of similar offences, including driving while disqualified.
Insurers Team Up to Nab the Fraudster
Hastings Direct and 1ST CENTRAL insurers worked closely with City of London Police’s IFED team. Both firms stressed their commitment to investing in cutting-edge technology to detect and prevent fraud.
Matthew Stevens, Counter Fraud Director at Hastings Direct, said: “Working closely with City of London Police and other insurers is crucial to bringing fraudsters to justice and protecting honest road users. I am delighted with the outcome in this case.”
Paul Priestley, Counter Fraud Director at 1ST CENTRAL, added: “Fraud is not a victimless crime. We’ve invested heavily in counter fraud capabilities and will continue battling to protect our customers.”
Choudhury’s bid to dodge justice failed spectacularly, proving once again that insurance fraud will catch up with you – no matter how many fake names you hide behind.
