Archive · 24 Jul 2025
UK Surgeon Faces Court Over Self-Amputation and Fraud Claims
A surgeon in the UK, Neil Hopper, is in trouble because he is accused of cutting off his own legs to get money from insurance companies.
He allegedly wanted to get around £460,000 in total.
Authorities say he bought videos about amputations and may have encouraged others to do harmful things.
Hopper denies these claims.
He used to work at a hospital, but he was fired after being arrested, and his ability to practice medicine is currently suspended.
Hopper claims he had a life-threatening condition, sepsis, that required the amputation.
A vascular surgeon, Neil Hopper, is accused of amputating his own legs to claim insurance settlements.
Hopper allegedly sought £460,000 (approx. 5.4 crores INR) from insurance companies.
He is charged with encouraging or aiding serious bodily harm between August 2018 and December 2020.
Hopper purchased footage of amputation procedures and allegedly influenced an extreme body modification network.
Hopper's medical license has been suspended, and he was removed from his position at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.
- Who
- Neil Hopper, a vascular surgeon.
- What
- A vascular surgeon is accused of amputating his legs to claim insurance settlements and encouraging/aiding serious bodily harm.
- When
- The alleged encouragement or aiding of harm occurred from August 21, 2018, through December 4, 2020.
- Where
- England's Cornwall
- Why
- Allegedly to claim insurance settlements, but Hopper claims the amputations were due to a life-threatening condition, sepsis.
Prosecution
Defense
Reason for Amputation
Prosecution
Hopper intentionally amputated his legs to defraud insurance companies.
Defense
Hopper claims a life-threatening medical condition required the amputation.
- Suspect
- Neil Hopper
- Profession
- Vascular Surgeon
- Alleged Crime
- Insurance Fraud, Encouraging/Aiding Serious Bodily Harm
- Amount Sought
- £460,000
- Hospital
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
- License Status
- Suspended
- Next Court Date
- Remanded until August 26