Coventry Man Jailed for Fake Life Insurance Scam on Dead Brother
Daniel Banete, 30, from Lillington Road, Coventry, has been slapped with a three-year prison sentence at Warwick Crown Court. He admitted to eight counts of insurance fraud and must also pay a £190 victim surcharge.
Faked Death Certificates to Bag Payouts
Banete exploited the death of his brother, who died from Covid-19 in Romania on 8 July 2020. Shockingly, just days later between 16 and 21 July, Banete took out four life insurance policies using his late brother’s name. But here’s the catch—he doctored death certificates with false dates ranging from November 2020 to January 2021 to claim the insurance settlements.
Pro Cut Through Banete’s Web of Lies
Detective Constable Ian Cambridge from the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) blasted Banete’s ‘cynical intention’ to make money at his brother’s expense.
“He altered official documents to intentionally deceive the insurers and the overwhelming evidence shows he knew exactly what he was doing.” – Detective Constable Ian Cambridge
The scam was uncovered when insurer Aviva sent a Romanian staff member to verify the death date with the hospital in Romania. The true date clashed with Banete’s fake certificates. Aviva also tracked the IP address used to apply for the policy back to Banete’s home.
Aviva Cracks Down on Fraud
Jacqueline Kerwood, Claims Philosophy Manager at Aviva, emphasised the firm’s tough stance.
“This sentencing proves insurance fraud is a crime and fraudsters will be caught and prosecuted. Fake claims drive up premiums for honest customers relying on life insurance.” – Jacqueline Kerwood, Aviva
Evidence Found at Banete’s Home
Police raided Banete’s house and discovered documents relating to all four insurance policies. They also found a file filled with fake death certificates dated 10 November 2020 — exactly what was used to try and claim payouts.
The officers uncovered genuine certificates for birth, marriage, and death belonging to Banete’s brother. Despite being arrested, Banete refused to answer any questions during his police interview.
