Mohammed Patel, from Nottingham Drive, Bolton, was sentenced to four and a half years at Manchester Street crown court after pleading guilty to 17 charges, including conspiracy to defraud, dangerous driving and disqualified driving.
The 24-year-old is one of 25 people being sentenced in connection with the case, which saw Patel offer to 'crash' clients' cars in order for them to make false insurance claims.
Authorities were alerted after officials reported a high number of crashes at a certain roundabout on the A34 in Cheadle. Almost all were at a low speed and all involved the same man; Patel, who would lead the other driver to believe they were at fault.
The investigation revealed Patel deliberately caused collisions for whichever client was willing to give up his car keys and insurance details. He would be paid a fee while the claimants demanded compensation for personal injury, courtesy cars and legal fees at the expense of the other party's insurers.
In some instances, the damage to the cars being used was fabricated, and on occasions exaggerated.
Greater Manchester police said Patel spent his earnings on his girlfriend - who also faces charges -, luxury cars and foreign holidays.
Sergeant Mark Beales commented: 'Patel was prepared to put lives in danger to make money.
'This abuse of the insurance claims system has implications for all law-abiding road users.
'I have no doubt that people driving on the roads of Greater Manchester are safer with this individual behind bars.'
John Beadle, chairman of the Insurance Fraud Bureau, added: 'This demonstrates the power of the collective and the results that can be achieved when the public and private sector work closely together.
'Together with the police, we will continue to find, expose and pursue those criminal gangs involved in this kind of criminal activity.'
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