Fraud of the Week
September 4, 2018
Arson — Maryland
Amount: Unknown
In a ridiculous story of insurance fraud, a Maryland man has plotted to burn down his restaurant and frame his wife as a terrorist. The police have audio recording of the man attempting to solicit help in the arson of the restaurant and the murder of his wife. The man had recently taken out an insurance policy on the restaurant that was worth $200,000 more than his previous policy had been worth, and had discussed with the informant how to start a fire and make it look like an accident.
His wife had recently filed for divorce and got a protective order out against her ex-husband. The husband plotted with the police informant to place a ballistic vest, firearm, bottles of alcohol, and extremist jihadi writings, in the wifes belongings and then notify law enforcement to have the police notified after the incident. The man was in severe financial trouble, and was afraid of having to pay spousal support.
Police faked the arrest of his wife based on the "terrorist" charges, and then entered his home with the premise to search for things related to the wifes charges. When asked about the arson plot, the man blamed the informant but then admitted to getting out the larger insurance policy.

