'Dead' Canoeist Reappears Again—in Court

The British man who faked his own death in a canoeing accident only to resurface 5 years later appeared in court today to face formal charges of fraudulently obtaining a life insurance policy and lying to procure a passport, the Telegraph reports. A hearing date of February 4 was set for John Darwin, who spoke only to confirm his identity.

In an open call for information about his activities since he supposedly disappeared, police released a photo of Darwin as he appeared while living under the alias “John Jones.” As Jones, Darwin is said to have traveled widely, even passing into and out of Britain. "We've got calls coming in from across the globe," said one police officer. "God only knows where he's been." (More fraud stories.)