In a shocking case that exposed a network of connected repair shops and storage sites in west London, Tesco delivery driver Reyhan Safi has been ordered to pay £18,000 in exemplary damages for staging a series of “crash for cash” accidents. The case, Sayahi & Anor v Tesco Stores Ltd & Anor, has drawn attention not only for the fraudulent activities but also for the unprecedented scale of the conspiracy involved.
Reyhan Safi, a Tesco delivery driver, orchestrated a series of deliberate collisions within a span of three months, creating a complex network of fraudulent activities that included connected repair shops and storage sites in west London. The case, presided over by Her Honour Judge Baucher, highlighted the wholesale nature of the fraud and the extensive conspiracy involved, making it a landmark case in Tesco litigation.
The court proceedings, titled Sayahi & Anor v Tesco Stores Ltd & Anor, unfolded over five weeks, examining 31 related matters encompassed in a staggering 60,000 documents. Two other drivers were implicated in the judgment for their involvement in collisions leading to fraudulent claims, with one admitting to staging crashes in five separate cases.
The fraudulent activities came to light when two individuals filed proceedings against Tesco regarding a 2019 collision with a delivery van driven by Safi. Tesco, having made an interim payment of £34,385 for personal injury and credit hire claims valued at £75,000, later filed a counterclaim. The counterclaim alleged that Safi intentionally drove into the claimant’s vehicle, leading to the dismissal of the initial claims. Part 20 proceedings against Safi continued as Tesco identified an additional 12 linked cases and 20 cases not yet subject to litigation.
Central London County Court revealed that vehicle owners paid an undisclosed individual, who, in turn, paid Safi to intentionally collide with the claimant’s vehicle. The court found that Safi had meticulously staged the crashes, providing false information about the accident circumstances and damage. As a consequence, Tesco had to update all its vehicles with all-round cameras, incurring additional losses.
Tesco sought an award of £15,000 in exemplary damages, but the judge, considering the extent of the egregious conduct and the conspiracy, awarded £18,000. The two initial claimants agreed to reimburse Tesco’s £2,552 costs, refunded the £34,385 payment on account, and each agreed to pay £15,000 in exemplary damages.
The judge commended the diligence and forensic work undertaken on behalf of Tesco, emphasizing that the case and others would not have come to light without their tireless efforts. The comprehensive and objective presentation of evidence played a crucial role in exposing the depth of the conspiracy.
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