Cornish vascular surgeon charged with fraud
Neil Hopper is accused of falsely claiming to insurers that injuries to his legs in 2019, that resulted in them being amputated, were the result of sepsis
Last updated 23rd Jul 2025
A surgeon from Truro is due before magistrates in Bodmin today (23 July), charged with two counts of fraud and another offence.
49-year-old Neil Hopper is accused of falsely claiming to insurers that injuries to his legs in 2019, that resulted in them being amputated, were the result of sepsis and not self-inflicted.
He's also accused of being involved in a website that promoted the removal of people's body parts.
It follows a detailed investigation, which was launched by Devon and Cornwall Police back in 2023, and led to the charges of:
- Two counts of Fraud by false representation - Fraud Act 2006
That between 03/06/2019 and 26/06/2019 he committed fraud in that he dishonestly made a false representation to insurers, namely the injuries to his legs were the result of sepsis and were not self-inflicted, intending to make a gain.
- Encourage / assist in the commission of an indictable only offence, (grievous bodily harm)
Between 21/08/2018 and 04/12/2020 in Cornwall did an act, namely purchased videos from a website called The EunuchMaker showing the removal of limbs and encouraged Marius Gustavson to remove body parts of third parties, which was capable of encouraging or assisting the commission of an indictable only offence, namely intentional infliction of injuries which amount to grievous bodily harm, believing that the offence would be committed and that the act would encourage or assist in its commission
'No evidence to suggest any risk to patients'
Devon and Cornwall Police say the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, where Mr Hopper has been employed, worked closely with Devon and Cornwall Police throughout the investigation.
However, he has not been practicing at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals since March 2023.
A spokesperson for the trust said: “The charges do not relate to Mr Hopper’s professional conduct and there has been no evidence to suggest any risk to patients. Mr Hopper worked in at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals from 2013 until he was suspended from duty in March 2023, following his initial arrest.
“Former patients with any questions or concerns about their treatment can contact the Royal Cornwall Hospitals’ Patient Experience team on 01872 25 2793, or email [email protected].”
Mr Hopper had General Medical Council restrictions in place from April 2023 and has been suspended from the medical register since December 2023.