Surplus Lines Inc. and Heritage Inc. Insurance Fraud and Unlicensed Insurance Activity

Ian Stuart a.k.a. “Ian Stuart-Smith”, a.k.a. “John Harris”, a.k.a. “John Harrington” was arrested on May 5, 2006 and is now facing extradition to the United States in connection with an insurance fraud scheme. The indictment alleges that Mr. Stuart induced various entities throughout the United States and Canada to purchase over $7 million of fraudulent commercial liability insurance policies through their insurance agents. 

The indictment also alleges that Mr. Stuart presented himself to New York insurance brokers as a wholesale insurance broker able to place insurance coverage without being registered as required under New York law.     

According to the indictment, Mr. Stuart collected premium payments for himself for commercial liability insurance policies purportedly placed with various insurance companies and entities, and he created fictitious documents purporting to confirm the existence of insurance coverage.

The Superintendent of Financial Services issued a Cease and Desist Order against Ian Stuart-Smith and Heritage International Inc. carrying on business as "Surplus Lines" in April 2005, banning them from operating within Ontario.

For additional information on this matter, visit this section of the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) website.

Consumers should be sure they are always dealing with a licensed agent or company. FSCO's website contains lists of licensed insurance companies, agents, corporations and partnerships. Insurance broker information can be located on the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) website.

If you believe you were a victim of these crimes, wish to provide information to law enforcement officials, want to receive notice of future developments in this case, or want additional information, please contact Wendy Olsen-Clancy, the Victim Witness Coordinator in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, at (866) 874-8900.