Briefing: Striking at the heart of ghost broking by targeting illicit finance

The Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (Ifed), part of the City of London Police, is leading a national drive to dismantle ghost broking operations – not just by arresting offenders, but by targeting their illicit finances, seizing their profits and cutting off their ability to exploit both the public and insurance industry.

This approach reflects my ongoing commitment to using every tool at our disposal to disrupt financial crime and protect victims. By working together with law enforcement agencies, insurers and the public, Ifed is making it increasingly difficult for criminals to operate in the insurance arena.

Between 19 and 30 May 2025, a coordinated, nationwide operation resulted in significant outcomes. These included:

• £48,195 seized via Account Forfeiture Orders – a legal instrument used to permanently seize funds from bank accounts believed to be the proceeds of crime – granted at Manchester Magistrates’ Court from three bank accounts linked to ghost broking.
• Social media platforms were also targeted. A total of 62 accounts with over 162,000 collective followers were identified and referred for takedown – this removes a key source of income and reach for fraudsters.
• A £20,000 Account Forfeiture Order was granted at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court for a ghost broker selling car insurance policies via social media.

 These results show my determination to follow the money because ghost broking is not just a scam, it’s a business model. We are intent on making it unprofitable.

Close collaboration

Ifed’s progress to date would not be possible without close partnerships.

This includes collaboration with police forces across the UK that helped deploy automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to identify and intercept vehicles suspected of being linked to fraud – this boosted our intelligence and is an information stream Ifed is developing further.

There is also collaboration with the insurance industry itself, which shares intelligence and flags emerging threats. In May 2025, the Insurance Fraud Bureau reported a 52% rise in ghost broking activity between 2022 and 2024, evidencing how vital this collaboration is.

Ifed additionally partners with the public, whose reports and vigilance are often the starting point for our investigations.

Ghost brokers rely on trust, social media reach and the assumption that no one is watching. These partnerships make sure they are wrong on all counts.

Demolishing fraudulent infrastructure

While enforcement is crucial, prevention remains equally important. Young people, especially those aged between 17 and 24, are disproportionately targeted by ghost brokers.

Through joint public awareness campaigns, we’re helping people recognise the warning signs of ghost brokers – such as insurance offers through WhatsApp or Instagram, or demands for bank transfers and cash.

Ifed also signposts insurance customers to verify any brokers they plan to purchase cover from and highlights the consequences of engaging fraudulent firms, such as having their car seized or facing prosecution for driving without valid insurance.

Ghost broking is evolving – but so too is our response. By disrupting financial flows, removing digital platforms and educating communities, we are creating an environment where this kind of fraud cannot thrive.

My message is clear. If you profit from exploiting honest people through fake insurance, we will come for your assets, your accounts and your digital presence.

We will do it through strong partnerships, smart enforcement and a united front across policing and industry.

Together, we are not just tackling fraud – we are dismantling the infrastructure that allows it to flourish.