05.09.2025 18:16
British surgeon Neil Hopper, who had his legs amputated in 2019 after freezing them with dry ice due to a sexual obsession, committed insurance fraud amounting to £466,000 under the pretense of sepsis. With public support, Hopper even became a candidate for disabled astronauts, but after the truth came to light, he was sentenced to 32 months in prison. His patients are now questioning how necessary their past treatments were.
49-year-old vascular surgeon Dr. Neil Hopper, who works in Cornwall, England, has come to the fore with a shocking fraud case.
SURGEON SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR AMPUTATING HIS LEGS DUE TO SEXUAL OBSESSION
The surgeon, who developed an obsession with the amputation of limbs, caused irreversible damage to his legs by freezing them with dry ice in 2019. His legs, which became medically unsalvageable, were later amputated.
RECEIVED HEFTY COMPENSATION BY LYING ABOUT INFECTION
Reporting the condition that led to the amputation of his legs as a "sepsis-related infection," Hopper deceived insurance companies and received a total of over £466,000 (26 million TL) in compensation. Hopper used the money for luxury expenses, spending large amounts on a caravan, jacuzzi, wood stove, and home renovations.
HIS LICENSE WAS COMPLETELY REVOKED
Hopper, who served as a vascular surgeon at Royal Cornwall Hospital for many years, was suspended in March 2023 after the fraud was uncovered. In December 2023, his medical license was completely revoked.
HE HAD BEEN ASTRONAUT CANDIDATE
After the amputation, Hopper attracted public attention and expressed his satisfaction with the support he received in an interview with the BBC. He even managed to make the shortlist in the European Space Agency's search for disabled astronauts.
SENTENCED TO 32 MONTHS IN PRISON
The background of the incident came to light with a case opened at Truro Crown Court. Hopper admitted to two separate counts of insurance fraud. The court sentenced him to 32 months in prison and ordered him to return all the ill-gotten gains.
HIS WIFE LEFT HIM, PATIENTS ARE DISTURBED
The events have also disrupted Hopper's private life. While his wife filed for divorce, patients are in great shock. Especially some former patients who had previously undergone amputation began to question how medically justified Hopper's treatment decisions were. Although the hospital management claims that Hopper's actions were on an individual level and not related to his professional practices, public trust has been severely damaged.