They were apprehended as a result of a major undercover Garda operation in 2011 and 2012
Judge David Riordan said as well as defrauding insurance companies they were also tying up Gardai and Ambulance services.
The group were caught after a covert Garda operation in Cork uncovered the scam following which they pleaded guilty to deception by making fraudulent claims from insurance companies and false reports in relation to traffic accidents.
As part of Operation Nascar Gardai observed a “staged” collision where one car deliberately drove into another before reversing a few metres and crashing into the car a second time.
Among those sentenced by Judge David Riordan was Tomas Hayes of 16, James Street in Cashel who was paid €3,100 from other parties involved in the scam.
The 31 year old was given a 2 year suspended sentence and 190 hours community service. Hayes was also disqualified from driving for 8 months from October 1st next.
Judge Riordan said such bogus insurance claims poison the atmosphere for others as well as tying up Gardai and ambulance services.
