LONG BEACH- On January 2, 2020, California Department of Insurance (CDI) detectives arrested insurance agent Gelinda Phann Keo, 43, on one felony count of grand theft after she allegedly pocketed a client’s insurance payment of $5,500, leaving that client’s business uninsured.

CDI found Keo, doing business as Global Cargo Insurance Agency, collected $5,500 in premium payment for a cargo policy for a client’s business that included international bonds. The client was notified that customs could not verify the bonds, which caused delays in shipments. The insurance policy Keo secured had been cancelled due to non-payment of premium leaving the business without insurance coverage for months. The client paid an additional $5,500 to the insurance company in order to obtain a valid insurance policy.

“Insurance agents hold a position of trust among their clients,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “Stealing a premium payment and leaving a business without coverage can be financially devastating for that company.  CDI detectives investigate these cases and arrest those suspected of committing a crime.”

An administrative action by CSI against Keo’s license is pending.