Two more convicted over mass UK car crash data theft

The Information Commissioner’s Office has welcomed the convictions of two further individuals following its extensive investigation into the unlawful accessing and sale of personal information obtained from over 400 garages across the UK, as well as claims management and insurance companies.

Christopher Munro of Knutsford, Cheshire, and William Chipoma of Enfield, London, were charged after investigations uncovered their involvement in the theft and sale of personal data within the claims management sector.

The ICO’s enquiries revealed that Munro and Chipoma deliberately sought employment with the intention of stealing and selling personal data.

Munro, while working for two different companies during 2015 and 2016, accessed thousands of records without legitimate authority or consent, receiving payments totalling £16,000.

He made multiple employment applications to claims management and insurance companies but left after short periods when unable to access personal data. He was charged with four offences; two under the Computer Misuse Act 1990, and two under Section 55 of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Chipoma illegally accessed records and sold personal data between 2015 and 2017, receiving payments totalling £70,550. He was also charged with four offences; two under the Computer Misuse Act 1990, and two under Section 55 of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Both men pleaded guilty to all offences at an earlier hearing.

Following this, both men appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court on February 11 2026 where Chipoma was handed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, as well as being ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work. Meanwhile, Munro was handed a 32-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, as well as being ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

This brings the total number of people prosecuted in its largest nuisance call investigation to 10. Three people have been cautioned in relation to this case.

ICO financial investigators as well as external financial investigators are looking to recoup the financial benefits obtained by these offenders through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.