Eight arrested in crackdown on group suspected of helping drivers avoid prosecution
Police have arrested eight men as part of an investigation into a suspected “Notice of Impending Prosecution (NIP) farm”.
NIP farms supply fake driver details to police to help motorists avoid prosecution for traffic offences – such as speeding or being caught using a mobile phone at the wheel.
They are typically used by drivers at risk of losing their licence through an accumulation of points.
More than 60 officers executed 11 warrants across Cornwall on Tuesday as part of an investigation by Devon and Cornwall police.
Officers searched 12 residential and commercial premises in Falmouth, Penzance and Newquay as part of the investigation.
The operation was run by Devon and Cornwall Police in partnership with the fire service, Immigration Enforcement and Cornwall Council.
Eight men, aged between their 30s and 50s, were arrested.
Six were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice – with one also arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences.
The other two men were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.
Sector Inspector for Falmouth, Helston and South Kerrier Tim Evans said: “Tackling suspected organised crime and protecting vulnerable people in West Cornwall is a priority for the neighbourhood policing team.
“The action taken today is the culmination of a significant amount of work in conjunction with several partner agencies.
“As a result of our attendance at some of the addresses, police identified unsafe living conditions and a partnership response was required to safeguard vulnerable people.”