Insurance:: Singapore swindlers target motor accident claims

In February 2008, TAN Kok Seng, now 37, was driving his car alone when a taxi ran into it. No doubt: it was the fault of the taxi driver. Tan called a former recovery driver, ONG Ai Peng, now 48, to ask if he had a contact who could get his car towed away.

ONG arranged for the car to be removed and went with TAN to hospital - and then suggested to TAN that his (Ong's) family of wife and two daughters claim that they were in the car at the time.

TAN would make a claim for damages for each of himself and the three ONG family members. Ong would get the damages paid to his family but would pay for Tan's car to be repaired.

But the insurance company, India International Insurance, became suspicious and reported the circumstances.

That led to TAN's arrest and subsequent conviction.

Then the insurance company looked at other files: so far it has found 20 cases. Seventeen people have been charged so far - more are expected to follow. Tan is the only conviction to date.

All statements relating to ONG and his family are allegations.

TAN has been sentenced to four months. His claims were filed by law firm Kalai & Company who are not alleged to have been implicated in the conspiracy.