iFraud Deep Dive
Welcome to iFraud Deep Dive, an official podcast series of the iFraud Foundation — where we tackle the toughest issues facing the property and casualty industry in the fight against fraud.
Each episode features in-depth conversations breaking down complex issues into easily consumable information that we can all understand. We explore the fraud landscape, expose emerging threats, and highlight actionable solutions. From staged accidents and collusive networks to litigation abuse and regulatory gaps, we go beyond the headlines to bring you the insights that matter.
Whether you’re a carrier, broker, employer, attorney, or regulator, if you’re committed to protecting the integrity of our industry then this podcast is for you.
Subscribe now and join us in building a smarter, stronger, fraud-resilient future.
iFraud Deep Dive
S2 E15 Liakas Law In City Hall
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
They say that art imitates life, but really it seems lately that life is imitating art in the form of a Grisham novel. This episode of the Deep Dive we are discussing Ali Najmi, a prominent attorney and close associate of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. He is facing scrutiny over his dual roles in New York City’s government and a private legal practice. While serving as the head of the committee responsible for selecting local judges, Najmi also acts as a "special adviser" to Liakas Law, a firm currently battling a federal lawsuit for allegedly orchestrating massive insurance fraud. Ethics experts warn that this arrangement mirrors the corruption of former official Sheldon Silver, suggesting that Najmi could potentially influence the bench to benefit his firm's legal interests.
Critics are particularly concerned because the firm frequently sues the city, creating significant conflicts of interest for a top mayoral aide. Despite the firm’s denial of the fraud allegations, observers worry that the administration is allowing private legal actors to exert undue control over the judicial appointment process.
Grab your popcorn and let's dive in.