Man arrested after allegedly faking death to support insurance claim

Police have arrested a man after he allegedly faked his own death to support an insurance claim.

The City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (Ifed) said the 24-year-old man from Birmingham has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, allegedly claiming to have drowned while travelling in Nigeria.

The arrest came as part of an operation that was carried out during a nationwide enforcement period targeting travel insurance fraud.

Another arrest involved a 34-year-old woman from Hertfordshire, who was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, after allegedly submitting 37 claims for missed or delayed transport that are now suspected to be fraudulent.

Other outcomes

Officers executed warrants across the country, conducting house searches and interviews.

All arrests were followed by interviews under caution.

Among the outcomes of the intensification were three settled claims totalling £22,000. In this case a suspect alleged multiple bereavements to justify repeated holiday cancellations.

Following an interview, the suspect made a full confession and has agreed to repay the insurers in full.

In a separate case, a defendant plead guilty to fraud by false representation in relation to a travel insurance claim, supported by fabricated Caribbean medical treatment documents and to money laundering.

The sentencing is now scheduled for 23 June 2026 at Inner London Crown Court.

Detective sergeant Oliver Gent, from Ifed, said: ”Our work is to protect honest policyholders and the insurance industry. This intensification has produced a strong set of results and demonstrated that those who attempt travel insurance fraud will be investigated and held to account.

“Before you travel, check your cover and always claim honestly, because fraudulent claims will be detected.”