Clumsy arsonist and standard transmission novice make MPI’s list of Top 5 frauds in 2011

A clumsy arsonist and a stick-shift-challenged auto thief appeared at the top of Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)’s list of Top 5 frauds in 2011.
In MPI’s Number 1 fraud, a Winnipeg man agreed to set fire to a vehicle owned by an acquaintance, who wanted his decrepit beater written off for the insurance proceeds.
According to MPI, the arsonist purchased gasoline, pouring the flammable liquid into empty, four-litre milk containers. After being given keys to the vehicle, the Winnipeg man then drove the vehicle to an isolated spot and set the vehicle on fire.
However, during the commission of the crime, the clumsy arsonist inadvertently spilled gasoline on himself, setting himself on fire. He suffered second-degree burns to 50% of his upper body and spent several days in hospital.
During the investigation of the auto theft claim, investigators located and interviewed the arsonist, whose severe burns were still very visible. The man subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of arson and received a one-year jail sentence.
The vehicle owner, who subsequently withdrew his auto theft claim, received a 15-month conditional sentence after pleading guilty to one count of arson to own property.
In MPI’s Number 2 fraud, a vehicle owner faced with mounting repair bills on an aging car arranged to have his vehicle stolen. The ignition of the vehicle was altered, allowing the vehicle to start for the thief, who was paid to commit this crime.
But while driving the car away from the scene of the crime, the thief crashed the car heavily into a large tree. It turns out the thief didn’t know how to drive a standard transmission and lost control while shifting gears.
The full list of Top 5 MPI claims can be found at:
http://www.mpi.mb.ca/english/newsroom/articles/2011/Dec23.html