California Department of Insurance makes announcement
In October 1995, investigators from the R.A.I.D. Task force (Riverside Auto-theft Interdiction Detail) received information that a widespread network of outlaw bikers and their associates were working together to defraud insurance companies.
The suspects acquired expensive Harley Davidson motorcycles either by theft, or conspiring with the legal owners to stage a theft in order to collect insurance money.
The seven-month investigation culminated on May 13 with the return of a 125-count indictment against 35 individuals. The counts include conspiracy, auto theft, operating a chop shop, VIN switching, insurance fraud, assault, sales and transportation of Methamphetamine, kidnaping and torture.
At about 7:00 this morning, over 400 law enforcement personnel representing 21 separate agencies served 35 arrest warrants and about 50 search warrants. The warrants were served at 41 locations throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Los Angeles Counties. There was no report of injury to citizen or officer. Over 30 arrests were actually made.