Vietnam Uncovers Insurance Fraud Ring That Broke Clients Bones for Payouts

Police in Phu Tho have arrested Tạ Minh Châu, a former healthcare worker accused of running a brutal insurance fraud scheme worth more than 6 billion VND. Investigators say Châu sedated insurance buyers and used a hammer and metal tools to break their bones, then staged fake accident scenes to claim payouts from multiple life insurance companies.

Ta Minh Chau. Photo: Provided by the police

Châu, 30 years old, previously worked at the Cam Khe District Medical Center and had deep knowledge of bone structure and insurance compensation rules. Police say he used this expertise to design a full process that included recruiting buyers, inflicting injuries, and preparing falsified medical documents.

Châu reportedly sedated victims before breaking their bones in ways that closely resembled real accident injuries. His group then staged scenes such as slip and fall incidents or electric shock falls to legitimize the claim files.

The ring targeted several major insurers, including Manulife, AIA, Dai ichi Life, FWD, Sun Life, and Chubb Life. Manulife alone lost about 2.6 billion VND.

Police describe the operation as organized, calculated, and extremely cruel. The group chose fracture points that triggered higher payouts, which made the fraud difficult for insurers to detect.

Châu and four accomplices have been detained on suspicion of property appropriation as the investigation continues.