Five Bulgarians have managed to commit the largest benefit fraud in the history of Britain by scamming nearly £54 million. They have achieved luxury living through the usage of many fictitious ID claims.
The criminal gang, now waiting sentencing to years in prison, exploited a combination of bogus identities and legitimate clients to file about 6,000 false claims for Universal Credit over a 4 1/2- year period. Their criminal activity took place in three "benefits factories" in north London.
A functioning corner shop selling groceries was located behind one of the hubs. It seemed as though the group was hidden in plain view, as they were posting photos on social media, smiling and posing behind the counter of Antonia's Foods supermarket in Wood Green.
The extensive amount of money acquired from the elaborate tangle of financial assertions was circulated through several bank accounts before finally being withdrawn in cash. The MET police found £750,000 in ledger notes concealed in suitcases at one of their residences.
The gang was apprehended by the investigators, and while they searched their estates, they also came across an immense number of ‘claim packs’. Unfortunately, they consisted of fake accreditations. Also, it was noticed that there are at least 900 digital devices.
According to prosecutors, the gang exploited the benefits system as if it were a limitless source of cash. The investigators discovered a video on one of the gang's confiscated mobile phones in which the fraudsters were seen showering a property with hundreds of £20 notes.
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