Mission statement
The mission of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s (OIC) Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) is to identify and investigate, for prosecution, criminal organizations and individuals engaged in fraud schemes that target insurance companies.
*Data is from 2007-present.
About us
Established in 2006 by the Washington State Legislature, the CIU investigates insurance fraud, which costs the average Washington family $400-$700 per year in increased premiums. The CIU is an accredited law enforcement agency, certified by the Washington State Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs (WASPC). CIU Detectives are law enforcement officers, certified by the Washington State Criminal Justice Commission, and authorized to enforce state laws related to insurance fraud. We conduct felony criminal investigations, serve search warrants, make arrests, and submit those cases to county, state, and federal prosecutors. We work with regulators, insurance companies and law enforcement partners to investigate insurance fraud and scams. These include health care provider/managed care cases, fake injury claims, and property crimes.
Each month, on average, more than 300 fraud referrals and tips come to our office from:
- The public
- Allied law enforcement agencies
- The National Insurance Crime Bureau and member companies
- The National Association of Insurance Commissioners
- OIC staff
We open a variety of criminal investigations each year. Successfully prosecuted cases result in felony convictions, prevention of further monetary loss, and possible restitution. Please search OIC news releases for details on specific cases. You can also sign up to receive insurance fraud news by email or text message.
We also invite the public to help us identify fugitives wanted for insurance fraud. Visit CIU’s Washington state insurance fraud Most Wanted list.
CIU's Report to the Legislature
Under RCW 48.135.100, the commissioner is tasked with regularly reporting CIU’s activities to the Legislature. The report includes recommendations from the insurance fraud advisory board, cases referred for prosecution, convictions, how much money was recovered by the unit and other details about our actions.
Anti-fraud outreach
Part of CIU’s mission is also to discourage fraud by educating consumers how to recognize and prevent fraud. Our director speaks frequently at events to increase awareness of insurance fraud and how to avoid it. Presentations are designed for civic groups, chambers of commerce and members of the insurance industry. We also give presentations for the public, private organizations, law enforcement, fire investigators and government agencies.