In what they describe as "one of the largest arrest operations in Fresno history," detectives from the California Department of Insurance announced May 11 that they have arrested more than two dozen people on multiple felony counts of insurance fraud for allegedly staging auto collisions to scam more than four insurance companies out of tens of thousands of dollars.

According to the state officials, the suspects allegedly submitted 26 fraudulent insurance claims totaling more than $140,000. When the insurers paid the claim, the suspects pocketed the proceeds and failed to repair damaged vehicles. The insurance department detectives, along with Fresno County District Attorney investigators, began an investigation after receiving suspected fraud referrals from the insurance company.

The Walnut Creek, Calif.-based CSAA Insurance Group was "instrumental" in assisting with uncovering the fraud, state officials said.

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Rosalie Donlon

Rosalie Donlon is the editor in chief of ALM's insurance and tax publications, including NU Property & Casualty magazine and NU PropertyCasualty360.com. You can contact her at [email protected].