How Are We Doing?
Some Current Statistics

Arrests and Convictions: 1999 – 2001

• The number of arrests following Frauds Bureau investigations reached an all-time high of 554 in 2001, outpacing last year’s performance by 10% and 1999’s total by 42%.

• Success in several major, multi-agency investigations contributed to the record number of arrests in 2001. The first statewide sweep ever conducted in New York brought in more than 40 suspects on various charges of insurance fraud. The downstate investigation conducted by the Frauds Bureau, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD led to search warrants at 11 auto body shops that netted more than 20 arrests for auto-related fraud. On the same day, Frauds Bureau investigators conducted sweeps in Syracuse and other upstate areas that resulted in the arrest of 21 individuals, the majority for workers’ compensation fraud. The upstate success was the result of the joint efforts of the Frauds Bureau, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, the State Insurance Fund, the State Police, the Syracuse Police Department and the Workers’ Compensation Inspector General’s Office.

• The number of criminal convictions obtained by prosecutors in Frauds Bureau cases totaled 210 at year-end 2001. The Frauds Bureau works closely with district attorneys and local law enforcement agencies across the State to coordinate efforts and encourage cooperation.

• The number of reports of suspected insurance fraud increased by nearly 17% over the total for last year, and a full 35% above the number received in 1999. The rise in reporting is due in large measure to the Bureau’s commitment to work closely with insurers to ensure that no potential fraud goes unreported. Reports of suspected no-fault fraud now represent almost 60% of all reports received by the Bureau, surpassing all other types of fraud reported.