Fake Death Charges: Couple In Court

A couple accused of faking the husband's death in a £1.5m life insurance scam appeared for the first time at City of London Magistrates' Court yesterday.

It is alleged they falsely reported the cause of death as brain fever during the husband's visit to India and obtained £10,000.

They are: Sanjay Kumar, 44, of Northcotts Long Elms Close, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire and his wife, mother-of-three Anju Kumar, 45, of Hempstead Road, Watford.

Both face three charges of fraud by false representation in that on December 15, 2011, with intent to make gains of £250,000 and two sums of £450,000 in relation to three policies, represented that Mr. Kumar had died on November 25 that year.

They face three similar charges of fraud in relation to a £5,789 pension scheme, a £1133 ISA and death benefit of £9,481.

Both were bailed until May 7 for committal on condition they reside at their recorded addresses, surrender their passports and Mr. Kumar alone must report weekly to Watford Police Station.