FRAUDULENT MINICAB INSURANCE: Police seize vehicle and begin investigation into possible fraud

Image credit: Met Police Roads and Transport (Twitter)

A London private hire vehicle has been seized by police and taken to the pound after the driver presented police officers what they believed to be a fraudulent insurance policy.

The find was made by the Metropolitan Police’s ‘Cabs Unit’ team who were working with regulators Transport for London (TfL) on Friday 12 February.

That evening 20 private hire vehicles and 5 licensed taxis were checked by enforcement officers. A number of issues were reported, including faulty lights and documents not carried.

One vehicle, a white Toyota Prius minicab, was however reported for having no insurance. The private hire driver working in the vehicle was also reported for presenting a fraudulent insurance policy to officers at the scene.

The vehicle was seized by officers and and an investigation has started in to the fraudulent insurance handed to enforcement officers.

A spokesperson from Met Police Road and Transport said via social media: “Officers from the CabsUnit working with TfL Taxi and Private Hire conducted a stop site tonight in Islington which saw 20 PHV's (mini cabs) and 5 MHC's (taxis) stopped.

“A number of compliance issues reported, defective lights, documents not carried, damaged windscreen etc.”

In a further post, the police continued: “However one PHV was uninsured and presented what is believed to be a fraudulent Insurance policy.

“Vehicle seized and off to the pound. Driver reported for no insurance and investigation into the fraud started.

“Drivers please remember to check your vehicles daily for defects.”