In a bizarre instance of insurance fraud reported by the Straits Times, a Taiwanese university student named Chang sought to defraud insurance companies out of $1.7 million by simulating frostbite with dry ice.
Chang’s elaborate hoax, which involved exposing his legs to dry ice for 10 hours, resulted not in the intended insurance payout but in the amputation of his legs below the knee.
With Lan, also known as Liao, his accomplice and classmate, Chang purchased multiple insurance policies to cover extreme scenarios. On January 26, 2023, in northern Taipei, they executed a stunt to mimic frostbite typically incurred during nocturnal motorcycle rides.
The deception involved Liao subjecting Chang to prolonged dry ice exposure, enhancing the realism of their ruse. Handcuffed by Liao, Chang endured excruciating pain as his legs swelled excessively. He was swiftly hospitalized, leading to an amputation on February 6, 2023.
Although Chang received a significant sum from one insurer, other companies grew suspicious due to discrepancies in the dates and descriptions of the injuries. Investigators found the frostbite injuries symmetrically perfect, unlike genuine frostbite cases.
Meteorological data further discredited Chang’s account, showing moderate temperatures contradicting his frostbite claim. Further inquiry unearthed compelling evidence, including medical records, insurance documents, and crime-related paraphernalia.
Motivated by financial woes from cryptocurrency losses, Liao orchestrated the scheme, exploiting Chang’s compliance secured by a large promissory note.
Both defendants, Liao and Chang, face fraud charges, with Liao additionally accused of causing grievous harm. The confiscation of their assets underscores the dangerous extent of their fraud.
