How Are We Doing?
Some Current Statistics

Arrests and Convictions: First Nine Months, 2001 - 2003

• The number of arrests resulting from Frauds Bureau investigations reached 684 during the first three quarters of 2003, topping last year’s total by nearly 20% and the total for 2001 by almost 82%.

• A major investigation culminated in the arrest in August of 85 physicians, psychologists, chiropractors, attorneys, medical clinic owners and others in the first stage of what may be the largest no-fault insurance fraud scheme ever prosecuted in New York State. In addition, 51 people were arrested in September in the first phase of an investigation known as "Operation Gateway" that uncovered another no-fault fraud ring that defrauded insurers of tens of millions of dollars.

• Several other major cases in the first half of the year, as well as numerous arrests that resulted from the day-to-day investigations conducted by Frauds Bureau investigators, also contributed to the 684 arrests during the January-September 2003 period.

• The number of criminal convictions obtained by prosecutors in Frauds Bureau cases rose to 269 during the first nine months of 2003, up from 261 for the same period in the prior year and 145 in 2001.

• Frauds Bureau received 22,675 reports of suspected insurance fraud during the first three-quarters of 2003, versus 18,389 for the same period a year earlier and 17,142 in 2001. The Frauds Bureau and the Systems Bureau have been exploring ways to develop a Web-based fraud reporting system. We established a working group that meets weekly to discuss progress and plan strategy. Under the AT&T Global Network currently in use, about 69% of all reports received by the Bureau are submitted electronically. With a Web-based system, we can easily move to 100%, including the capability to accept reports from laptops and field locations. The new system will also enhance the effectiveness and accuracy of fraud reports.