Man arrested over £28,220 sheep insurance fraud
City of London Police detained a 24-year-old man after finding over 650 sheep alive following claims of theft.
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City of London Police have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of fraud. The arrest follows allegations that he submitted insurance claims for more than 650 sheep that were supposedly stolen. Officers found the animals alive and well.
Insurance Claims Under Scrutiny
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He received concurrent sentences of two years and three months for each count of conspiracy to steal and a five‑year ban on entering the Square Mile and four boroughs.
The investigation centres on three insurance claims made within a year for the alleged theft of sheep from fields rented by the man in Devon. Two of these claims resulted in payouts totalling £28,220. A third claim, valued at £64,800, was prevented from being paid after intervention by detectives and the insurance industry.
The City of London Police's Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) detained the man on suspicion of fraud by false representation and for making or supplying articles for use in fraud. The investigation was initiated after an insurer raised concerns with the Rural Crime Agency, which subsequently referred the case to the City of London Police.
Searches and Seizures
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As part of the inquiry, officers conducted searches on 13 October at addresses, a garage, and vehicles in South Molton. During these searches, documentation linked to the case, a mobile phone, and two shotguns were seized. The shotguns are alleged to have breached licensing conditions.
Detective Constable Carley Parodi of IFED stated that rural insurance fraud, while perhaps less common, can significantly affect insurers and legitimate customers. She added that fraudulent claims can distort risk assessments and potentially lead to increased premiums for honest policyholders. The force indicated it would continue to investigate and take action against those profiting from fraud.
The arrested man has been released under investigation while inquiries continue. The City of London Police confirmed that the sheep involved were found to be in good health.
Questions this report answers
+What happened to the man arrested?
A 24-year-old man was arrested by City of London Police on suspicion of fraud. He is currently released under investigation while police inquiries continue into the alleged insurance fraud involving sheep.
+How much money was involved in the insurance claims?
Two insurance claims totalling £28,220 were paid out. A third claim for £64,800 was stopped by police intervention before it could be paid.
+What was found during the police searches?
On 13 October, police searches in South Molton seized documentation related to the case, a mobile phone, and two shotguns that are alleged to breach licensing conditions.
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