Fraud of the Week

December 14, 2015

Insurance Company Fraud—Maryland

Amount: $100 million+

 

A con artist who had created an insurance company admitted that between 2008 and 2013 he falsified wire transfers, bank statements, and letters of credit to make it look to financial rating and auditing companies that his company could afford to cover more possible losses than it actually could. The company took in more than $100 million in premium from more than 5,000 policyholders who did not have the coverage they thought they did. The company specialized in liability coverage for bars, clubs, and entertainment companies. He paid himself $96,000 per month and owned four homes and multiple vehicles. When he was arrested, federal agents found guns, disguises, and what seemed to be a hit list including a judge who was overseeing the liquidation of his company and an elected official. He has been sentenced to thirty-seven years in prison and $137 million in restitution.