Shakti Denis

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Nov 8, 2024, 5:40 PM

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Updated

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Dashcam video appears to show a staged crash, with passengers pretending to be injured in an apparent attempt to file fraudulent insurance claims.

Michael Martinez, 28, was arrested Thursday after returning from Ecuador.

He was charged with staging a motor vehicle accident, reckless endangerment and insurance fraud. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison.

The video was posted by Ashpia Natasha, the woman who was targeted in the scam.

Natasha quickly gained widespread attention on social media, where users helped track down the car involved.

Within days, TikTok investigators pinpointed the gray Honda Civic to Dyker Heights.

Police later impounded the car.

"I'm more happy for the people who have probably been in the same situation as me and they weren’t able to prove themselves. This is justice for them," said Natasha on Friday.

Authorities are still investigating and looking for other suspects connected to the scam.

Anyone who suspects they may have been a victim of a staged car accident is encouraged to contact the NYPD’s Office of Fraudulent Collision Investigation at 718-822-5403.