A former Insurance Broker has been jailed for two years after pocketing over £46,000 by editing another company's contracts to increase the cost of the premiums paid by his clients, following an investigation led by City of London Police's Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) supported by the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB).

Gary Whipps, 32, of Church Road, Thundersley, sourced insurance for companies that managed amusement parks of offered rentals on inflatable play equipment, bouncy castles and soft play areas.

Between 2018 to 2020, Whipps edited genuine contract documents for 26 clients to increase the premiums and pocket the difference, which also left clients without valid cover.

Jon Radford, Head of Intelligence, Investigations & Data Services at IFB, said:

“Whipps grossly neglected the professional standards expected of insurance brokers. He was trusted by so many companies to provide them with vital business cover but left them risking serious financial and legal complications just so he could line his own pockets.  

“We're pleased to have supported IFED with this investigation and to see that Whipps has faced the serious consequences of his selfish actions.”

Whipps plead guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court on 8 March 2024 to 39 counts of fraud by false representation. He was sentenced at the same court on 5 June 2024 to two years imprisonment. Confiscation proceedings to reclaims the overall loss will take place in December this year.

 Find out more at City of London Police's newsroom.