Justin Boydell, a 51-year-old loss adjuster from Norwich, was sentenced to four years and four months in prison for defrauding insurers of nearly £200,000 through a series of insurance scams. Boydell used the names of his wife, Deborah, and his deceased father-in-law to create fake bank accounts and submit fraudulent claims, ultimately laundering the stolen money.
A professional loss adjuster with extensive qualifications, Boydell exploited his position to approve bogus claims for fake water leaks at properties he had never visited. He funneled the illicit funds into personal accounts, using them to pay his mortgage, deposit into savings, and even contribute to four pensions that would have eventually paid him £10,000 a month.
The fraud came to light when Boydell’s wife discovered two bank cards linked to her maiden name and documents related to an insurance claim in her late father’s name. Shocked by the discovery, she reported her husband to the authorities.
Boydell, formerly of Brundall, admitted to seven counts of fraud by false representation and money laundering. Nine additional fraud offenses were also considered during sentencing. Norwich Crown Court heard that Boydell, who had worked for Criterion Adjusters, submitted fabricated claims and falsified supporting documents, including invoices and emails, to secure large payouts from companies such as Aviva and Home and Legacy.
Among the stolen items, Boydell kept a Rolex Submariner watch worth £9,350 and a £2,750 artwork, instead of returning them to insurers. His fraudulent actions, which spanned eight years from September 2015, also included creating fake glowing reviews to boost his bonus payments.
Boydell’s lawyer, Andrew Oliver, noted that the fraud was not spent on a lavish lifestyle, but Boydell’s actions still caused significant harm to his family. His wife, in an emotional statement, expressed how deeply betrayed she felt by his actions, especially the use of her late father’s name.
PC Victoria Church, who led the investigation, praised the effort to uncover Boydell’s elaborate scheme, emphasizing the lengths he went to deceive his employers and insurers. Despite his attempts to cover his tracks, the evidence eventually revealed the full extent of his fraud.
Boydell is now facing proceedings to recover the money through the proceeds of crime.
