Sheikh Tanvir Uddin first came to the attention of IFED officers in April 2025, when he was identified as operating as a Ghost Broker. Officers visited him, explained the illegality of his actions, and issued a cease-and-desist notice. He was also provided with guidance on how to transition into becoming a legitimate insurance broker. Cease and desist notices have proven effective in steering individuals away from fraudulent activity, and given Uddin's age and lack of prior convictions, he was considered a strong candidate for this restorative approach.
Detective Constable Vinny Baughan, from the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), said: “IFED continues to deploy specialised tools to address the growing threat of fraud within the insurance sector. Mr Uddin’s case exemplifies the effectiveness of these measures. From the issuance of a cease-and-desist notice, formally instructing him to halt suspected fraudulent activity, through to the point of charge, he remained under close scrutiny. While attempts were made to evade detection, our coordinated approach with industry partners ensured that his actions were identified and addressed.
This case serves as a clear and unequivocal message: those who seek to defraud the system will be pursued, and we will continue to work collaboratively to protect both the public and the integrity of the insurance industry.”
Ben Fletcher, Director of Fraud at Allianz UK, said: “Insurance fraud is a serious problem that pushes up the cost of policies for honest consumers and adds to insurers’ costs. “We are resolute in our determination to identify and defend against any type of fraud, and we work with the police, regulators and other insurers to prevent it. There are a range of tools available to us and where people do not heed our warnings, then make no mistake we will absolutely pursue those individuals and organisations to criminal prosecution. “This case highlights the value of insurers when it comes to combating fraud, and the effectiveness of our partnerships with the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) and other industry stakeholders. Potential fraudsters need to understand that if you try and commit fraud, then be warned, you may end up with a criminal record.”
Less than a month later, on 22 May, Uddin was arrested at his home address in Camberwell, South London, on suspicion of further fraud offences and money laundering, following referrals from insurer Allianz. He was interviewed in custody but declined to provide any account of his actions.
After being released from Bishopsgate Police Station, Uddin resumed offering fraudulent insurance policies to clients via WhatsApp- charging administrative fees of over £200 and providing falsified cover for upwards of £300 per month.
Once the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) was notified of the new offending, officers gathered further evidence. In early August, Uddin was arrested again and interviewed in depth regarding the newly discovered offences. He again declined to provide any account. Officers subsequently charged him and remanded him in police custody ahead of his first court appearance. Uddin was charged with two counts: providing false details to obtain an insurance policy, and selling insurance policies without authorisation. He pleaded guilty to both offences.
Information on ‘ghost broking’ and advice on how the public can protect themselves from falling victim is available at cityoflondon.police.uk/ghostbroking Anyone who has been the victim of ‘ghost broking’ should report this to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040. They can also report to the Insurance Fraud Bureau via its confidential CheatLine on 0800 422 0421 or at insurancefraudbureau.org/cheatline.
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