Marine veteran's Iraq War lessons lead to fraud-fighting tech

Clearspeed's voice-screening technology is now used by insurers like Allianz to detect millions in fraudulent claims

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:52pm

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Marine veteran Alex Martin developed voice-screening technology for U.S. forces after witnessing a deadly insider attack during the Iraq War. The technology, now used by insurance giant Allianz, quickly assesses risk across languages and high-stakes environments. Clearspeed has raised $110 million and counts the Department of Defense and U.S. intelligence agencies among its customers.

Why it matters

The growing commercial adoption of Clearspeed's technology has drawn attention in Washington, as insurers face an "arms race" with fraudsters using AI and digital tools. The technology could help combat fraud in federal programs and strengthen border security vetting.

The details

After leaving active duty, Martin partnered with a Stanford professor to develop a voice-based vetting tool designed to quickly assess risk. Clearspeed's first major customer was U.S. Special Operations Command, and the company has since raised $110 million. Allianz recently disclosed it identified more than £92.6 million (about $115 million) in fraudulent claims in the first half of 2025, crediting Clearspeed's technology as central to its fraud detection strategy.

  • In 2018, Clearspeed screened 715 Afghan commando recruits in less than 20 hours.
  • In the first half of 2025, Allianz identified more than £92.6 million (about $115 million) in fraudulent claims.

The players

Alex Martin

A Marine veteran who developed voice-screening technology for U.S. forces after witnessing a deadly insider attack during the Iraq War. He founded Clearspeed, a company that provides the technology to insurers and government agencies.

Capt. Warren Frank

Martin's close friend who was killed by an Iraqi soldier who turned his weapon on American forces during a joint patrol in Iraq.

Allianz

A global insurance company that uses Clearspeed's voice-screening technology to detect fraudulent claims.

Charles Holloway

A Stanford professor who partnered with Alex Martin to develop Clearspeed's voice-based vetting tool.

David Petraeus

A retired U.S. Army general who is an investor in Clearspeed.

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What they’re saying

“We needed to make our organization a really hostile place for people to try to commit fraud. Technologies such as Clearspeed have given us the opportunity, for the first time, to dial up that disruption.”

— Matt Cox, Chief Claims Officer, Allianz (InsurancePOST)

“During my time in the Special Forces, I saw firsthand how advanced technology saves lives and gives us a decisive edge. My priority in Congress is making sure we identify the most effective tools and put them to work for our troops and taxpayers.”

— Rep. Pat Harrigan, Former Army Green Beret, R-N.C. (FOX Business)

“As President Trump continues delivering on his promise to make America safe again, we must ensure law enforcement has access to the most reliable and efficient tools available. Technologies like this could help combat fraud at our border, strengthen visa vetting and keep our country secure.”

— Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C. (FOX Business)

What’s next

Clearspeed is engaging policymakers about deploying the technology to combat benefits fraud and strengthen screening processes.

The takeaway

Clearspeed's voice-screening technology, originally developed for military use, is now being leveraged by the private sector and policymakers to combat fraud and strengthen national security. This highlights the potential for innovative technologies to have far-reaching applications beyond their initial purpose.