Hugo Jose Sanchez, 47, also known as Alfredo, was taken into Australian Federal Police custody overnight in Sydney, the force told, ending a six-year manhunt.
Ecuadorian-born Sanchez's wife Sophie was last year sentenced to two years in jail over the scam, in which the couple allegedly faked his death to claim more than one million pounds ($1.6 million) in life insurance in 2005.
She was arrested after returning to Britain for her sister's wedding last September, with their plot reportedly unravelling after Sanchez's fingerprints were found on his own death certificate.
Police refused to comment on media reports that Sanchez was facing extradition to Britain to face fraud charges, saying it was now a matter for Sydney's Central Local Court, where he was due to appear later Thursday. (AFP)
