A man has been arrested in connection to a viral car insurance scam that swept New York City last month. Dashcam footage appears to capture a staged crash, with passengers feigning injuries in an attempt to file fraudulent insurance claims.
Michael Martinez, 28, was arrested Thursday after returning from Ecuador. He now faces charges of staging a motor vehicle accident, reckless endangerment, and insurance fraud, which could result in up to seven years in prison if convicted.
The incident gained widespread attention after Ashpia Natasha, the scam’s target, posted the video on social media. With the help of TikTok users, the gray Honda Civic involved in the incident was tracked to Dyker Heights within days, leading police to impound the vehicle.
Natasha expressed relief following the arrest, saying, “I’m more happy for the people who have probably been in the same situation as me and weren’t able to prove themselves. This is justice for them.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate and seek additional suspects involved in the scam. Individuals who suspect they may have been victims of a staged car accident are encouraged to contact the NYPD’s Office of Fraudulent Collision Investigation at 718-822-5403.