A couple from Canberra has been sentenced to jail for orchestrating a car accident to make fraudulent insurance claims. The judge described the motive as greed rather than necessity. The couple’s plan failed due to bad luck and a lack of understanding about how experts could investigate the incident. Insurance fraud is a serious offense, and this case serves as a reminder that such activities will not go unpunished.
Couple Sentenced to Jail for Orchestrating Car Accident for Fraudulent Insurance Claims
A couple from Canberra has been sentenced to jail for orchestrating a car accident in order to make fraudulent insurance claims. The judge described the motive behind the crime as driven by greed rather than necessity.
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Rabea Fares, 48, and his wife Lina Faris, 44, were both injured in the staged crash and required hospitalization. They were found guilty of insurance fraud by an ACT Supreme Court jury.
Staged Crash and Suspicious Observations
The court proceedings revealed that on the day of the incident, the couple’s Audi was intentionally struck by a BMW, causing significant damage to both vehicles. However, an observant driver passing by noticed something suspicious. The Audi was driving slowly and suddenly came to a stop before being rear-ended by the BMW, which was also traveling below the speed limit.
Initially, both drivers denied knowing each other, but their lie was quickly exposed when a list of phone calls between them was discovered. The judge found it difficult to determine who was the mastermind behind the fraud but noted that it was Lina Faris who had submitted the insurance claims.
Failed Plan and Lack of Understanding
Acting Justice Peter Berman pointed out that the plan ultimately failed due to “bad luck, bad planning,” and a lack of understanding about how experts could investigate the incident. It was discovered that one of the cars had existing defects prior to the crash, and the second driver had insured his car for a significantly higher amount than its actual value.
Acting Justice Berman emphasized the seriousness of insurance fraud, stating that if the scheme had succeeded, the couple would have obtained a substantial sum of money through the fraudulent claims for the cars and personal injuries.
Sentencing and Impact on Children
During the sentencing, the defense lawyers for the couple pleaded with the court to consider the impact on their children if they were to be imprisoned. However, the judge deemed this argument “distasteful” in such circumstances. Both Rabea Fares and Lina Faris were sentenced to two years in jail. However, the wife was granted the opportunity to serve her sentence on an intensive corrections order, allowing her to remain with their children. The husband, on the other hand, will spend one year in jail before becoming eligible for parole.
Consequences of Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud is a serious offense that not only undermines the integrity of the insurance industry but also affects the premiums paid by honest policyholders. This case serves as a reminder that such fraudulent activities will not go unpunished, and those who attempt to deceive insurance companies will face severe consequences.
