Gardaí have carried out searches across west Dublin as part of a major crack-down on alleged insurance fraud.

The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) said it believes over 20 bogus insurance claims have been made by people claiming to have slipped or fallen.

Investigators said some of the claimants may have used false identities and, in some cases, the claims may have already been paid out.

Gardaí from Lucan, CAB and the GNECB carried out the searches in the west Dublin this afternoon with the support of a number of armed units.

Investigators also executed search warrants at a number of solicitor’s offices.

Garda crackdown on alleged insurance fraud. Image: An Garda Síochána

Investigators said the searches uncovered six “high-value” cars, jewellery worth more than €300,000 and a “substantial amount of documentation and financial records.”

Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll from Special Crime Operations said investigators are “determined to identify all those persons who are involved in the making of bogus insurance claims and to maximise its potential to initiate prosecution, through engaging in coordinated operation activity, such as that undertaken today.”

"Where financial gain has already been achieved by those involved in this form of criminality, the Garda Síochána will utilise available legislation to identify relevant assets and target them for seizure.”

Garda crackdown on alleged insurance fraud. Image: An Garda Síochána