Mr and Mrs Saghir have been sentenced to imprisonment of 30 months and 12 months, respectively, after the Nottingham couple were found guilty of fraud by false representation in their bid to dupe Allianz.

The fraudulent car insurance claim involved photo timestamps being altered and the submission of images of pre-existing damage, as well as lies meant to inflate the claim’s value. Chaudhary (pictured) said his wife, Tanzilla, and two children were in the vehicle during the collision – a statement his spouse supported even though it was false.

“You are a man who is dishonest to the core and you must be punished for it,” HHJ Hurst told Chaudhary at Nottingham Crown Court during the sentencing. Tanzilla’s sentence, meanwhile, is suspended for two years.

Commenting on the outcome of the case, Allianz fraud manager James Burge stated: “This is an excellent result for the industry. Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime and has serious consequences, so we are pleased this was recognised with a custodial sentence on this occasion.

“Allianz remains 100% committed to protecting our genuine customers through investment in detecting fraudulent activity, such as the crimes committed by Mr and Mrs Saghir.”

The investigation for the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department was led by DC Haywood, who described the deceitful pair as having been “rightly” punished. He also thanked both the insurer and Nottinghamshire Police.