Farmer Arrested in Alleged £100,000 Sheep Insurance Fraud
Police discovered the farmer's 'stolen' flock grazing in his own fields during an investigation into insurance claims.
Police investigating an insurance fraud claim discovered the sheep the farmer reported stolen were actually in his own rented fields. Officers from the City of London's Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) were carrying out a search warrant in South Molton, Devon, when they found the flock last Tuesday.
The farmer had claimed nearly £100,000 in insurance over the alleged theft of more than 650 livestock, including two dead sheep, within a 12-month period. While the farmer reported these sheep stolen, officers located them alive and well in a neighboring field.
A total of £28,220 had been paid out by an insurer for two of the claims. A third claim, for £64,800, was not processed after IFED and the insurance industry intervened.
On October 13, a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and making or supplying articles for use in fraud. He has since been released under investigation.
During the operation, IFED officers, alongside local police, the local authority, and the Rural Crime Agency, searched two residential addresses, a garage, and two vehicles. They seized documents relevant to the investigation and a mobile phone. Additionally, two shotguns were discovered that breached licensing conditions.
Animal welfare checks were conducted by officers and veterinary professionals, comparing the number of sheep present against records held by the Rural Payments Agency. The sheep were found to be in good health.
Detective Constable Carley Parodi of IFED stated, "Rural insurance fraud may be less common, but it can have a significant impact on insurers and genuine customers. Fraudulent claims distort the true picture of risk and can contribute to higher premiums for honest policyholders. We will continue to investigate these offences and take action against those who seek to profit through fraud."
Tim Passmore, Chair of the National Rural Crime Network, added, "Livestock insurance fraud harms rural businesses, increases costs for honest policyholders and undermines efforts to understand and tackle rural crime. The National Rural Crime Network welcomes the partnership between the insurer, the Rural Crime Agency and the City of London Police in investigating these suspected offenses. Sharing intelligence and working together is vital to protecting rural communities and ensuring suspected fraud is properly investigated."