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UK's Largest Ever Benefit Fraud Uncovered: Gang Jailed for Stealing Over £50 Million

Five Bulgarian nationals exploited weaknesses in the welfare system, submitting thousands of false claims over four years.

Galina Nikolova, Gyunesh Ali, Patritsia Paneva, Stoyan Stoyanov and Tsvetka Todorova
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Composite image showing mugshots of Galina Nikolova and Gyunesh Ali on a backdrop of banknotes and mobile phones
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Overview

  • The gang was sentenced to a total of 25 years and five months in prison.
  • False claims were supported by forged documents, including tenancy agreements and payslips.
  • The fraud was discovered after a Bulgarian policeman noticed sudden wealth in his city.
  • Investigations revealed 'benefit factories' in London producing fake documents.
  • Authorities are pursuing confiscation proceedings to recover stolen funds.