Welsh Surgeon Faces Fraud Charges Over Leg Loss Claims

A Welsh surgeon has been charged with fraudulently misrepresenting how he lost his legs. Neil Hopper, a double amputee and vascular surgeon, faces two counts of fraud by false representation in relation to insurance claims he made concerning his leg injuries. The 49-year-old, who previously worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, appeared at Cornwall Magistrates’ Court in Bodmin on Wednesday.

Hopper is accused of dishonestly asserting that his leg injuries were caused by sepsis, rather than being self-inflicted. The alleged fraudulent activity took place between June 3 and June 26, 2019. Additionally, he faces charges for allegedly encouraging another individual to assist in the removal of body parts from others, a serious offence classified as grievous bodily harm. This particular charge relates to purchases made from The EunuchMaker website, where videos depicting limb removal were reportedly obtained between August 21, 2018 and December 4, 2020.

Since his suspension from the Royal Cornwall Hospitals in March 2023, following his initial arrest, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service has implemented restrictions on Hopper’s practice. He has been suspended from the medical register since December 2023 while the General Medical Council conducts an investigation into his conduct.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police stated that the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust has collaborated closely with law enforcement throughout the investigation. The Trust reassured the public that the charges against Hopper do not pertain to his professional conduct, emphasizing that there is no evidence suggesting any risk to patients.

Hopper worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals from 2013 until his suspension. The hospital’s spokesperson encouraged former patients with questions or concerns about their treatment to reach out to the hospital’s Patient Experience team for assistance.

Following his court appearance, magistrates remanded Hopper into custody. He is scheduled to appear before Truro Crown Court on August 26 to face the charges. This case has drawn significant attention, given Hopper’s background as a surgeon who performed numerous amputation surgeries prior to his own leg amputations.