A 22-year-old man from Southwark, Sheikh Tanvir Uddin, has received a 16-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months after pleading guilty to ghost broking — a fraudulent scheme where fake insurance policies are sold, exposing victims to financial loss and legal risks.
Uddin admitted to selling bogus insurance policies and providing false details to obtain coverage. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge and court costs.
The City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) first identified Uddin in April 2025. After officers warned him and issued a cease-and-desist notice, Uddin briefly stopped but soon resumed illegal activities. He charged customers over £200 in fees and offered falsified policies costing more than £300 per month, often marketing through WhatsApp.
Additional evidence from Allianz UK led to his arrest in May and August. Uddin eventually pleaded guilty to selling insurance without authorization and supplying false information.
Detective Constable Vinny Baughan of IFED highlighted the case as an example of effective coordination between law enforcement and the insurance industry. Allianz UK’s Ben Fletcher emphasized how ghost broking increases costs for honest policyholders and the importance of collaboration to fight fraud.
Industry data reveals the scale of the problem: In 2024, Action Fraud recorded 817 ghost broking reports, a 24% increase from the previous year, with average victim losses over £2,200. The Insurance Fraud Bureau reported a 52% rise in ghost broking cases from 2022 to 2024, fueled by social media targeting young drivers.
The motor insurance sector is heavily impacted, with insurers detecting over £1.1 billion in fraudulent claims in 2023. Ghost broking makes up a significant portion, driving up premiums and damaging market trust.
Victims not only lose money but risk fines or prosecution for driving uninsured. The wider insurance community bears higher costs passed on through premiums.
Uddin’s sentencing underlines law enforcement’s commitment to tackling ghost broking. Policyholders are urged to verify broker credentials through the Financial Conduct Authority register and confirm coverage via the Motor Insurance Database to avoid falling prey to scams.
