Younes Abuali, 53, who lives in Cliffside Park, was indicted on two counts of conspiracy (2nd and 3rd degree), one count of insurance fraud (2nd degree), and one count of attempted theft by deception (3rd degree). 

According to the indictment handed up by a State grand jury, a false claim was submitted to Progressive Insurance Company (Progressive) for the alleged theft of a 2014 Toyota Camry. The claim sought payment for the vehicle in the amount of approximately $20,000.00, alleging it had had been stolen from a store parking lot in Edgewater. 

False statements were given to Progressive in support of that claim, and Younes Abuali’s young son was enlisted to make false statements, as well, according to the indictment.

 "We will investigate and pursue charges against anyone who lies and cheats to steal from their insurance carrier, a crime that forces honest policy holders to pay for their greed through increased insurance costs,” said Attorney General Porrino. “Insurance companies rely on customers to provide them with truthful and accurate information, allowing them to rate policies and calculate premiums,” said Christopher Iu, Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor. “Those who deliberately provide misleading information to benefit themselves undermine the integrity of the system and will face serious consequences for their actions.” 

The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to ten years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $150,000; and third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $15,000. 

Deputy Attorney General Fernando D. Maldonado presented the case to the grand jury. Detectives Amy Carson and Erin Lukowiak coordinated the investigation. Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Iu thanked Progressive’s Special Investigations Unit for referring the case to the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor and for assisting in the investigation. Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Iu noted that some important cases have started with anonymous tips. People who are concerned about insurance cheating and have information about a fraud can report it anonymously by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-877-55-FRAUD, or visiting the Web site at www.NJInsurancefraud.org. State regulations permit a reward to be paid to an eligible person who provides information that leads to an arrest, prosecution and conviction for insurance fraud.

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