Crash for cash scammer in Northampton found guilty

A 29-year-old man who staged a series of deliberate road collisions as part of an organised crash for cash scam, has been found guilty following a trial at Northampton Crown Court on 18 February 2022. 

Emal Ahmadzai, of no fixed address, was part of a gang understood to have had the collisions at the Upton roundabout junction between 2017 and 2018.  

Ahmadzai along with three others was first arrested after police attended one of the collisions and discovered number plates had been changed on two vehicles. 

Footage captured by a local resident helped to identify Ahmadzai, which is when a joint investigation between Northants Police and the Insurance Fraud Bureau was launched.

During the investigation Ahmadzai was charged with 11 counts of dangerous driving and 11 of driving whilst disqualified. 

During the trial he claimed he had been a victim of modern day slavery and that he had been trafficked into the UK and forced to take part in these crimes. The jury however dismissed these claims and took little over one hour to unanimously find him guilty of all offences.

He has been remanded into custody and is expected to be sentenced in April this year. 

Stephen Dalton, Head of Intelligence and Investigations at the IFB, said: 

“Not only was he putting innocent road users in danger, but he continuously denied any responsibility despite the overwhelming evidence against him.

“Fortunately, our proactive efforts to stop him alongside Northamptonshire Police have been successful and he now must face the consequences.

“Sadly, dangerous crash for cash scams are common and we are determined to crackdown on the issue. If anyone has seen evidence of a crash for cash, we urge them to report it to our confidential CheatLine at insurancefraudbureau.org or via 0800 422 0421.”

Find out more about this development on Northants Police News Centre. 

*** UPDATE - 21 April 2022 ***
On 1 April 2022, Ahmadzai received a sentence of two years and eight months in prison following this verdict. More information is available on Northants Police News Centre.