Data thief took crash drivers’ details and sold them to injury claim lawyers

In an elaborate scheme, a data thief illegally obtained drivers’ details from a car rental company and sold them to lawyers for personal injury claims, netting around £675,000. The mastermind, Jonathan Riches, emigrated to the US but later surrendered to face charges. Ultimately, Riches was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £1,750 towards prosecution costs, with a 12-month deadline or face nine months in prison. Co-conspirators faced smaller penalties. Riches apologised for his actions and the court highlighted the breach of trust and reputational damage to the rental company.