CDI Busts Auto Fraud Ring

Eight people were arraigned recently on charges of insurance fraud and assault with a deadly weapon resulting from an ongoing investigation by the California Department of Insurance (CDI) Fraud Division, the California Highway Patrol, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The San Bernardino and Riverside County District Attorney’s Offices are jointly prosecuting the case.

Arraigned were Maria Solis, 30, Francisco Solis, 30, and Humberto Galvez, 34, all of Bloomington; Jose Rico, 36, Aura Rico, 35, and Adelaida Fajardo, 32, all of Fontana; and Griselda Galvez-Hernandez, 21, and Eduardo Galvez, 29, both of San Bernardino.

Investigators allege the suspects were involved in orchestrating staged auto collisions targeting innocent motorists on Inland Empire streets and freeways. The investigation uncovered an estimated 180 staged collisions, which resulted in insurance claims valued in the millions of dollars. More arrests are expected.