Successfully faking your own death is hard, but it can be done

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Faking your own death is a popular trope in fiction, often sensationalized in blockbuster films like Gone Girl, The Dark Knight, and You Only Live Twice. But a real-life case is gaining national attention in Wisconsin.

Investigators say Ryan Borgwardt of Watertown staged his own death to look like a drowning and may have fled to Uzbekistan. 

We spoke with an expert about how and why investigators were able to unravel Borgwardt's suspected scheme.

Chicago attorney Andrew Stoltmann says many of his clients want to disappear for completely legal and legitimate reasons.

"I represent a lot of professional athletes, lottery winners, people who want to go off the grid," he said.

Stoltmann says while the act of disappearing itself is not a crime, it can often lead to criminal acts. Faking your own death to collect life insurance is illegal. Investigators note that Borgwardt took out a $375,000 life insurance policy in January of 2024.

"Insurance fraud is one of the two most common reasons that people make themselves disappear," Stoltmann said. "The second most common reason is to hide from your spouse."

Stoltmann says where many people who want to disappear go wrong is managing their money. Tracking down terrorists and drug dealers has made investigators very skilled at following someone's assets, but there is a relatively new way to keep money hidden.

"Now the fact that we have crypto out there, that makes it a little bit easier, because that money is untraceable," he said.

According to investigators, Borgwardt moved funds to foreign banks.

A new identity can be purchased on the dark web, there is apparently a booming trade for fake death certificates in the Philippines, and  Stoltmann said a convincing disappearing act can take one-to-two years of meticulous planning.

"Only you can answer that question, whether it's worth it," he said.

Stoltmann said people who successfully disappear often pay a heavy emotional toll after leaving.

"Not being able to contact your kids, your brother, your sister, your parents, whoever it may be, especially after a death or sickness, it's hard," Stoltmann said.

In a news conference on Nov. 8, Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said that his office will seek restitution from Borgwardt for resources spent on search and recovery efforts. He also noted that the disappearance left behind other victims.

“We understand that things can happen, but there’s a family that wants their daddy back,” Podoll said.