South London resident Sheikh Tanvir Uddin has been sentenced to 32 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, after pleading guilty to providing false details to obtain an insurance policy, and selling insurance policies without authorisation. He had ignored a number of interventions from the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department before he was charged with the criminal offences.

Uddin was identified as a ghost broker in April 2025 and the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department issued a cease and desist notice given he had no prior convictions and was just 22 years old.

However, he continued to operate illegally and was referred to the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department by Allianz.

Detective Constable Vinny Baughan, from the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department, said: "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, added: “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 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.”