Police officers stumbled across a field of confused-looking sheep while investigating a farmer's claim that his sheep had been 'stolen'.
City of London police officers discovered the flock - which the farmer had claimed were rustled from his fields three times - last Tuesday while they were carrying out a search warrant.
The allegedly 'stolen' sheep were, in fact, found alive and grazing in the farmer's own rented fields in South Molton, Devon.
Officers from the City of London's Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), the national lead force for fraud and cyber crime in England and Wales, arrived at the Devon farm and counted up eight sheep.
But they quickly discovered there were far more safe and well in the next field.
The farmer had claimed nearly £100,000 in insurance over the alleged theft of more than 650 of his livestock - including two dead sheep - in 12 months.
Bodycam footage shows the moment officers discovered the 'stolen' sheep in the farmer's rented fields
The farmer had claimed more than 650 sheep had been stolen and two had died - but the flock were found alive and well last Tuesday
A total of £28,220 was paid out from an insurer for two of the claims, while his third claim for a staggering £64,800 was not paid after the IFED and insurance industry intervened.
Police said a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and making or supplying articles for use in fraud later that day, on October 13.
The man has since been released under investigation.
IFED officers attended two residential addresses, a garage and two vehicles alongside the local neighbourhood policing team, the local authority and the Rural Crime Agency.
Officers seized further documentation relevant to the investigation, along with a mobile phone.
They also discovered two shotguns, which breached licensing conditions.
Officers also discovered two shotguns which breached licensing conditions at a residential address
Police found the goods while carrying out a search warrant in South Molton, Devon
Officers and veterinary professionals also carried out checks on the welfare of the animals and the number of sheep present against records held by the Rural Payments Agency.
Fortunately, the sheep were all found well and alive.
Carley Parodi, Detective Constable from IFED at City of London Police, said: 'Rural insurance fraud may be less common, but it can have a significant impact on insurers and genuine customers.
'Fraudulent claims distort the true picture of risk and can contribute to higher premiums for honest policyholders.
'We will continue to investigate these offences and take action against those who seek to profit through fraud.'
Tim Passmore, Chair of the National Rural Crime Network, also said: 'Livestock insurance fraud harms rural businesses, increases costs for honest policyholders and undermines efforts to understand and tackle rural crime.
'The National Rural Crime Network welcomes the partnership between the insurer, the Rural Crime Agency and the City of London Police in investigating these suspected offences.
'Sharing intelligence and working together is vital to protecting rural communities and ensuring suspected fraud is properly investigated.'