Briefing: Ifed showcases suite of enforcement tools and partnerships in fight against fraud

As the newly appointed head of the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (Ifed), I am passionate about enhancing collaboration with our partners to protect both the industry and the public against insurance fraud.

My first few weeks since coming into post in February 2025 have been busy, as Ifed’s officers and investigators continue to use their full suite of options to bring fraudsters to justice.

For example, in February this year, the unit secured a serious crime prevention order (SCPO) against a fraudster who made around £60,000 worth of bogus travel and home insurance claims.

The SCPO means that 37-year-old Dominic Williams, based in Bromley, will be subject to a number of strict restrictions that should prevent him from committing further offences.

These restrictions under the SCPO will affect Williams’ use of bank accounts, insurance services and electronic devices. Breach of these conditions is a criminal offence, punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

The following month, in March 2025, two men who were sentenced in 2023 for their roles in a ghost broking scheme were handed confiscation orders worth a total of £376,000.

Our financial investigators undertook an extensive review of the assets owned by Romford-based Ikram Rafique and 32-year-old Mohammad Hamad, from Ilford, to secure the orders and ensure that the pair do not benefit from their crimes.

Intensification of activity

Meanwhile, Operation Henhouse – a month-long initiative aimed at tackling fraud – took place in February for the fourth consecutive year.

As part of this specific operation, police forces across the UK receive additional funding from the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC). Operation Henhouse is coordinated by the City of London Police in its role as the national lead force for fraud, ensuring a unified approach across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

During this intensification activity, Ifed officers made six arrests, conducted 11 interviews under caution and served 12 cease and desist notices to insurance fraudsters.

The arrests included a suspected fraudster who was apprehended at Manchester Airport while attempting to leave the country.

The man was first arrested at Heathrow Airport in February 2024 after he was suspected to have made over 100 fraudulent claims. His passport was seized and he was released on bail with conditions to remain in the UK and to not obtain new travel documents.

The man, however, attempted to board a flight to Pakistan at Manchester Airport last month. An alert was triggered at the check in and Greater Manchester Police liaised with Ifed to make the arrest.

Our officers travelled to Manchester to interview him and he was remanded in custody. The man pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court on 20 March to the possession of false identity documents with intent. Investigations continue into the suspected fraudulent claims.

Making a difference

In a separate investigation, a man repaid a total of £5,950 that he received from his insurer after he falsely reported the loss of a high value watch.

In this case, the insurer uncovered that the watch had been disposed of intentionally before the claim was filed. The man was interviewed by Ifed officers, during which he admitted that the claim was fraudulent.

Throughout February 2025, we served 10 cease and desist notices to suspects involved in ghost broking – these are fraudsters that pose as middlemen for well known insurance companies, claiming to offer legitimate insurance at a significantly cheaper price.

Officers delivered the notices to offenders, educated them on why it is illegal to take out insurance policies using false information and explained the consequences the recipient would face if they continued.

My strategic priorities for 2025 are to pursue fraudsters, block fraud and empower the public to protect themselves against insurance fraud.

I am eager to strengthen Ifed’s collaborative relationships and drive impactful efforts to combat insurance fraud. Together we can make a difference – indeed, we already are.