Serbian police have arrested 15 people on charges of collecting insurance claims through phony car accidents throughout the country.

Among those arrested were seven police officers, two court experts and a lawyer, Belgrade's newspapers reported Wednesday. Charges against them included fraud, bribery and forgery of documents.

Police alleged the ring had been operating for a long period of time in major towns across Serbia.

Police have seized 26 luxury cars and a search for another 51 vehicles was ongoing, the reports said.

The suspects allegedly would report non-existent accidents and police officers allegedly submitted reports to courts and insurance companies, the reports said.

Investigators said they believe the group used the same scheme as another 15 people arrested in June.