Robert Cretu, a 40-year-old Romania-born taxi driver from Merseyside, England, has received a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, for orchestrating an elaborate insurance fraud scheme involving non-existent dogs. Cretu admitted to five counts of fraud by false representation at Liverpool Crown Court.
Between December 2023 and August 2025, Cretu submitted 30 fraudulent claims to five different insurance companies, fabricating stories of canine fatalities. He pocketed a total of £31,700 through these claims. The court heard that Cretu often used fake names for the policies and had payments directed to accounts under other individuals' names.
Some of the alleged fatal incidents included a dog named Lola being struck by a lorry in the Lake District, and another named Leo falling into the sea from Blackpool Pier while reportedly chasing a seagull. Other claims were rejected after insurers became suspicious, with one claim for a Doberman being denied due to excessive costs and a lack of evidence for a supposed cremation.
Cretu's defense barrister stated that financial difficulties, exacerbated by his taxi repeatedly breaking down, motivated the fraudulent activity. He was the sole breadwinner for his family and had previously worked as a factory supervisor before taking up delivery jobs and purchasing a taxi.
Despite the significant sum defrauded, Cretu was spared immediate jail time due to his early admissions, remorse, and the fact that he had ceased offending. Judge Gary Woodhall noted that the costs associated with investigating fraudulent claims ultimately increase fees for all policyholders. Cretu has expressed his intention to repay the insurers from his future earnings. As part of his sentence, he must also undergo a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 20 days.