£2M INSURANCE FRAUDSTER FOUND GUILTY

Man convicted of arson and insurance fraud

Business owner, Justin Hindry, has been found guilty and remanded in custody after he burnt down his showroom in a bid to fraudulently claim more than £2m from Allianz Insurance.

Mr Hindry claimed on his insurance policy following a devastating fire at the Aylsham Bathroom and Kitchen Centre showroom, in Norfolk on 27 June 2012. However, it didn’t take long for the substantial claim for buildings, contents and business interruption to unravel, with an early inspection causing concern.

The Allianz fraud investigation team joined forces with Cunningham Lindsey’s major loss team and found credible evidence which pointed to foul play. Despite claiming that he was eight miles away when the fire was set, both eye witnesses and evidence placed Mr Hindry in the proximity of the showroom when the fire was lit.

Martin Saunders, divisional claims manager, Allianz Claims, Allianz commented: “This case is extremely serious because not only did Mr Hindry attempt to fraudulently claim a significant sum of money, but he also put his life and the lives of others in danger.

“Allianz have detailed and complex processes and procedures to combat fraud, achieved by using a wide variety of resources. To maintain the integrity of our business, and to protect our many honest customers, it is vital that we have these measures. We will not hesitate to assist the Police with their enquiries and to bring people like Mr Hindry to Justice."

Chris Aplin, Head of Fraud at Cunningham Lindsey, said: "Financial motive is often a significant indicator of fraud and our award-winning, proactive financial screening identified that all was not well with Mr Hindry’s business prior to the fire.

“We quickly mobilised our Major & Complex Loss resources, including investigators, to the scene and secured the evidence, whilst working closely with Norfolk police. Fraud is not a victimless crime. We work closely with all our clients to ensure effective and proportionate controls are in place to minimise their exposure and ensure their honest customers are not subsidising the dishonest."

Sentencing will take place in September.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1.Allianz Insurance is one of the largest general insurers in the UK and part of the Allianz SE Group, the largest property and casualty insurer worldwide. Around 83 million private and corporate customers rely on Allianz's knowledge, global reach, capital strength and solidity to help them make the most of financial opportunities and to avoid and safeguard themselves against risks.

In 2013, around 148,000 employees in over 70 countries achieved total revenue of 110.8 billion euros.

For further information contact:

David Moore-Crouch, Communications Officer, Allianz Insurance
Tel: 01483 465 227
Mob: 07711021748
Email: david.moore-crouch@allianz.co.uk