Instagram ghost broker jailed for fake car insurance fraud

A fraudster who illegally advertised his services as a broker on Instagram has been jailed.

Touqir Nasir, of Runley Road, Luton, was linked to a number of Instagram accounts that were advertising cheap car insurance following an investigation by the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB).

The 30-year-old was also not registered with the FCA to operate as an insurance broker, City of London Police said.

The case was referred to the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), which went onto find that he used false information to take out 10 temporary insurance policies for three vehicles that he used.

After being arrested in May 2020, a search of his home address revealed that Nasir’s phone was listed as a contact on the Instagram accounts. His desktop computer had also been used to access the accounts.

In addition, around £16,000 in cash was seized from Nasir’s address and has since been forfeited.

Sentence

Nasir pleaded guilty to 10 counts of fraud by false representation and breaching the Financial Services and Markets Act at Luton Crown Court on 4 March 2025.

At the same court on 28 April 2025, he was sentenced to one year in prison.

Detective Sergeant Phil Corcoran said: “The fact that Nasir advertised fake insurance, which could have left victims out of pocket and exposed to the risks of driving without valid cover, shows the greed of insurance criminals and the measures they will take to gain financially.

“Once the initial fraud came to light, our investigation uncovered evidence that Nasir also took out several insurance policies for himself using false information. He has now rightfully been punished for his crimes and the sentence handed down should serve as a reminder that there are severe repercussions for committing insurance fraud.”

Nicola Smith, intelligence and investigations manager at the IFB, added: “We’re pleased to see that this fraudster has faced justice for their unacceptable actions. Sales of fake car insurance have a serious impact on victims, as it leaves people out of pocket and risking serious criminal consequences for driving without valid insurance.

“We’re collaborating closely with the police and insurers to tackle this issue. If anyone sees a car insurance deal on social media that looks too-good-to-be-true, make sure to report it to our confidential CheatLine.”