Broward couple accused in yearslong insurance fraud scheme

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — A husband and wife from Broward County were arrested Wednesday in connection with what investigators described as a yearslong insurance fraud scheme.

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According to a complaint affidavit from the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Criminal Investigations Division obtained by Local 10 News on Thursday, the suspects were identified as 59-year-old Phillip Salvatore Nunzio Jr. and 56-year-old Christine Ann Nunzio, of Hollywood.

Jail records show both face more than 20 charges, including racketeering, money laundering, insurance fraud and criminal use of personal identification information.

According to the affidavit, investigators determined that from at least 2017 through 2023, the couple engaged in a “recurring scheme to fraudulently obtain life insurance proceeds by falsifying employment records, insurance enrollment documents, beneficiary designations, and claim forms.”

The affidavit states that the fraudulent submissions were made primarily through group life insurance policies issued by Mutual of Omaha and Lincoln Financial Group.

Investigators said Christine Nunzio used business entities under her control, including C&C Construction and Design Group Inc., to create the appearance of legitimate employment relationships in order to enroll non-consenting individuals in group life insurance plans.

Authorities said Christine Nunzio named either herself or her husband as the beneficiary of the policies and directed claim proceeds into accounts she controlled.

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According to the affidavit, following the death of an individual whose name was redacted, a life insurance claim was submitted and paid in the amount of $100,284.93. Investigators said the funds were deposited into a joint account controlled by the Nunzios.

Authorities also identified additional life insurance claims totaling $110,000 and $63,700 that were deposited into accounts controlled by the couple and followed by what investigators described as “extensive rapid fund transfers.”

“A forensic examination of Christina Nunzio’s work laptop revealed life insurance claim forms, payroll spreadsheets, job descriptions, and correspondence directly related to the fraudulent claims,” the affidavit states.

The affidavit further states that deleted files and email attachments confirmed Christine Nunzio’s active role in preparing and submitting claim documentation.

Investigators said financial records also demonstrated prior knowledge of financial distress, including loan defaults exceeding $145,000.

As of Thursday, both Phillip and Christine Nunzio were being held without bond at the Broward County Main Jail.

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