’UK’s biggest benefit fraudsters’ jailed for stealing £53m with fake claims

31 May 2024 , 07:13

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’UK’s biggest benefit fraudsters’ jailed for stealing £53m with fake claims

Bundles of cash stuffed in suitcases, designer goods and a luxury car were found in a raid on their properties. One gang member had also filmed themselves throwing stacks of £20 notes in the air.

Five gang members who falsely claimed more than £53m in benefits have been jailed for a total of 25 years.

In what is thought to be the largest benefit fraud and money laundering-related scheme in England and Wales, the gang made thousands of false universal credit claims using real people or hijacked identities.

Gyunesh Ali, 34, committed fraud by false representation "on an industrial scale" during the scheme which also involved fellow Bulgarians Galina Nikolova, 39, Stoyan Stoyanov, 28, Tsvetka Todorova, 53, and Patritsia Paneva, 27, Judge David Aaronberg KC said.

Stoyan Stoyanov. Pic: CPS

At Wood Green Crown Court in London, they were sentenced to a total of 25 years and five months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple fraud and money laundering-related offences.

They were also all warned they are liable to be deported after serving their sentences and the judge acknowledged "an enormous amount of work" was carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to prosecute the gang.

Bundles of cash stuffed in shopping bags and suitcases were found during a raid on their properties, as well as a luxury car and designer watches, jackets and glasses, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

One gang member was also filmed throwing stacks of £20 notes in the air.

David Wilson