Scammer Jailed for Setting Fire to Scam Insurance Cash
Michael Maggs, 52, has been sentenced to 13 months in prison at Inverness Sheriff Court for attempted insurance fraud. The developer tried to swindle insurers by lying about security at his site near Nairn.
Fire Destroyed Homes, Fraudster Lied About Security
Maggs was working on three properties at Earlseat Steading, Moyness. To get insurance, he claimed the site had secure fencing, CCTV, and that he lived there—none of which was true.
On 29 November 2017 at about 10.10pm, a fire broke out. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service put it out, but two houses were completely destroyed. Police Scotland and SFRS investigated and confirmed the fire was deliberate.
Long Investigation Leads to Arrest
Maggs was arrested almost a year later, on 2 October 2018, charged with insurance fraud linked to the fire. He admitted causing the blaze and trying to pocket a hefty insurance payout.
“Maggs wove a tangled tale in order to obtain insurance for the buildings he was developing. He was economical with the truth, and has now pled guilty to causing the fire and deliberately trying to obtain a large insurance payment fraudulently,” said Detective Inspector Reuben Lindsay.
“People like Maggs will not be allowed to get away with such fraud and I welcome his sentencing. No matter how long it takes, we will always work to bring those responsible for fraud to justice.”
Fire Chiefs and Fraud Watchdogs Speak Out
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Area Commander Michael Humphreys warned: “Deliberate fire-setting can be devastating. Fires risk serious injury, death, and massive damage to properties and our environment. They also waste valuable emergency resources.”
He added: “We continue to work with police and partners to catch those responsible.”
Jon Radford, head of Intelligence at the Insurance Fraud Bureau, said: “Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. It costs everyone and puts innocent people at risk. We’re glad our work with Police Scotland and SFRS helped bring Maggs to justice.”
