Viral dashcam crash video leads to prison sentences in fraud case

Viral dashcam crash video leads to prison sentences in fraud case

Viral dashcam footage led to a wider investigation into staged crashes.

ByDarla Miles, ABC7 New York

August 28, 2026, 

NEW YORK -- A nearly two-year investigation sparked by a viral dashcam video has led to prison sentences for two men who admitted orchestrating a scheme to stage car crashes on New York highways and file fraudulent insurance claims.

District Attorney Melinda Katz and Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that 53-year-old Jaime Huiracocha and 34-year-old Victor Murillo pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy.

Huiracocha will spend between one and three years in jail and Murillo will spend two years in jail.

According to prosecutors, the pair staged three crashes between August and October 2024 by recruiting passengers and using borrowed vehicles in exchange for large insurance payouts. Katz described the operation as a deliberate effort to manufacture collisions and submit fraudulent claims.

Investigators said the case began after 31-year-old Ashpia Natasha posted dashcam video showing a silver Honda cutting her off on the Belt Parkway and backing into her vehicle. The footage quickly went viral and caught the attention of law enforcement.

"We started investigating the viral video and then backed up into these other two that we found out were the same players," Katz said.

Authorities said the investigation uncovered two additional staged crashes involving a 44-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man, both on the Nassau Expressway. Prosecutors said the participants changed from crash to crash, but Murillo remained a constant presence and served as the driver in the scheme.

During Thursday's announcement, Hochul warned that the state is increasing its efforts to combat auto insurance fraud, including through a new cross-agency task force and a rebuilt insurance fraud bureau.

Katz also issued a warning to anyone who may be participating in similar schemes, including medical providers and attorneys who facilitate fraudulent claims, saying prosecutors will continue pursuing those involved

Here is what you need to know.

A staged "hit" or "crash-for-cash" auto insurance scam involves criminals deliberately causing a car accident to file false personal injury or vehicle damage claims. [1, 2]

How the Scam Works

• Swoop and Squat: One car cuts you off abruptly (“swoop”), and a second car forces you to rear-end them (“squat”).
• The Reverse Tap: A scammer stops in front of you on a highway, shifts into reverse, and backs directly into your front bumper.
• Phantom Witness: Accomplices pretend to be independent witnesses to back up the scammer’s false story to police and insurers.

How to Protect Yourself

• Install a Dashcam: Front and rear cameras provide undeniable proof if a driver intentionally backs into you or cuts you off.
• Call the Police: Always file an official police report at the scene of an accident, even if damage appears minor.
• Document Everything: Take photos of the vehicle positions, the number of passengers in the other car, and any suspicious behavior (like people swapping seats or hiding faces).
• Report Suspicious Claims: If you suspect you were targeted, contact your insurer's fraud department or local authorities.

More News from Ypsilanti

• San Diego’s Defense Tech Boom Is Here. Can It Become the Best City to Build the Next SpaceX?
• Prepare for Back -To School Helping families navigate the financial, logistical and emotional challenges of preparing for a new school year.