Ikram Rafique has been sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, suspended for two years at Inner London Crown Court after he was found guilty of money laundering and acting as an unlicensed broker. He was also ordered to carry out 220 hours of unpaid work.

His cousin and former co-worker, Mohammad Hamad, was also found guilty of money laundering after he rinsed the funds obtained by Rafique. He was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.

Detective Constable Chris Kench, from the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department at the City of London Police, said: “Rafique had no regard for others when he decided to act as a ghost broker as all he saw was the pound signs in front of his eyes.

“We know that the rising cost of insurance premiums means people are always looking for a cheap deal, but it is always important to check that you are buying from a legitimate source and that your policy is valid.

“Whilst the offer of a cheap deal may be enticing, a fraudulent policy will end up costing you more in the long run in the form of a fine, points on your licence, your car being seized and crushed than covering the cost of a valid policy.”

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