Police in South Wales have brought charges against 86 people after an investigation into one of the largest ever crash for cash insurance scams.

Gwent Police brought the charges against the 86 in Caerphilly County Court. These include fraud against insurance firms, conspiracy to steal vehicles and money laundering. It follows a two-year investigation.

This investigation differs from pervious similar alleged frauds in that a bodyshop has been named as being part of the activities. Detective Sergeant Andy Cullen said, "A team of officers and detectives have been investigating this sophisticated 'crash for cash scheme' alongside the Insurance Fraud Bureau for more than two years, and this has led to the arrest and charge of these 86 individuals."

The IFB said this was one of the largest investigations it had held into crash for cash and the full monetary value was still being assessed. It is estimated that this type of fraud costs UK insurers £392m a year. As many as one in seven personal injury claims relating to car accidents are thought to fraudulent and this is a major contributing factor to higher insurance premiums.