For Consumers

About Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU)

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.

Criminal cases worked
CIU most wanted
The cost of fraud
Report fraud to CIU

*Data is from 2007-present. 

About us

The cost of insurance fraud is high for our state and its consumers. It's clear when you consider the loss we prevent, fines levied and restitution ordered by our courts. We are law enforcement peace officers authorized by the state Legislature to enforce laws related to insurance fraud. We conduct criminal investigations, make arrests and then submit those cases to prosecutors. We work with regulators, insurance companies and law enforcement partners to investigate insurance fraud and scams. These include staged car crashes, fake injury claims and medical fraud.

Each month, on average, more than 200 fraud referrals and tips come to our office from:

  • The public
  • 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, restitution and further prevention of monetary loss. 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.

Investigating insurance fraud with state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler

 

CIU's Report to the Legislature

Under RCW 48.135.100 (leg.wa.gov), 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.