FRAUDSTERS who deliberately caused 250 motor accidents so they could make false insurance claims have been jailed.

Boota Ram, 38, and Gagandeep Gagandeep, 30, both of Faraday Road, Slough, were found guilty by unanimous verdict on Friday at Reading Crown Court following a four week trial.

Ram was convicted of conspiracy to defraud and two counts of possession of articles for use in fraud.

He was sentenced to nine years for conspiracy to defraud.

Two three year sentences were given for each of the possession of articles for use in fraud charges, to be served concurrently to the nine year sentence.

Gagandeep was convicted of conspiracy to defraud and jailed for three years.

Ram was not in court to hear his sentence as he had gone on the run and is now being sought by police.

The charges relate to incidents that occurred between November 2012 and December 2015.

Police recovered hundreds of false identification documents which were used as part of the claims process.

Both men were charged on 13 November 2017.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable James Rex, based at Slough police station, said: “These offenders have been working on a complex and sophisticated fraud which has involved hundreds of victims and insurance companies.

“We have worked closely with the Insurance Fraud Bureau and insurance companies to bring an end to this fraud.

“We are very happy with the sentences as it reflects the seriousness of the crime.

“Thames Valley Police takes reports of fraud extremely seriously and will investigate thoroughly to bring offenders to justice.”

The case was investigated jointly by Thames Valley Police and the Insurance Fraud Bureau.

Jason Potter, Head of Investigations at the Insurance Fraud Bureau, said: “It’s lucky that no-one was more seriously hurt in this greedy and dangerous scam. These criminals put the lives of people in their own neighbourhood in danger, deliberately colliding with innocent members of the public just to line their own pockets.

“This case is a great example of the insurance industry and police working together to put a stop to crash for cash scams, which plague the industry, our roads and ultimately our society.

“This scam was worth millions, and it’s down to the hard work, tenacity and patience of all those involved that have ensured these fraudsters have been held accountable for their crimes.”