Seven people have been charged with running a major arson-related insurance fraud and money laundering scheme in the US.

It is alleged that between 2019 and this year, the group rented homes, obtained insurance and then set 13 fires at the properties in the Monroe and West Monroe areas of Louisiana.

They allegedly submitted fake insurance claims for contents and extended stays at hotels, plus fraudulent relief claims with a national humanitarian organisation.

“The audacity, the recklessness and the greed of these defendants to allegedly turn fire-setting into a for-profit operation is staggering,” said Zachary Keller, attorney for the Western District of Louisiana.

“The conspirators charged here fed their greed by putting innocent lives at risk, including those of first responders, and destroyed the hard-earned property of others while contributing to higher insurance costs for us all.”

The seven are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and use of fire to commit federal felony.

Three were also charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, concealment money laundering and structuring. All face decades in federal prison if convicted.