Fresno, Calif. Man Arrested for Auto Fraud

Chandeep Singh Purewal surrendered in Fresno County (Calif.) Superior Court last week and was arraigned on two counts of auto insurance fraud. If convicted, Purewal could face up to five years in state prison and/or a maximum fine of $50,000.

According to investigators from the California Department of Insurance (CDI) Criminal Investigations Branch, Purewal allegedly filed a stolen vehicle report with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company on April 18, 2000. In support of his claim, Purewal submitted work invoices and payment receipts from Whiplash Performance Incorporated detailing more than $19,000 of work performed on his 1995 Chevy Tahoe.

A subsequent investigation by CDI revealed Purewal allegedly submitted inflated invoices and fictitious payment receipts to his insurer. Purewal’s claim came to light as a result of a prior investigation conducted on Whiplash Performance Incorporated by CDI.

Additional arrests are anticipated as a result of the initial investigation.