Title: Bulgarian Masterminds of UK’s Largest Benefit Fraud Scheme Sentenced: £53.9m Swindle Involving Thousands of Bogus Claims

Orchestrators of the UK’s Largest Benefit Fraud Uncovered

Two Bulgarian nationals, Gyunesh Ali and Galina Nikolova, have been sentenced for their roles in the UK’s largest ever benefit fraud case, which amounted to £53.9m and involved thousands of bogus claims ¹.

The Complex Fraud Scheme Unraveled

The extensive scam, uncovered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investigation team, utilized falsified documents and identities, with claims made from the back room of a London shop and a suburban office ¹.

The Facade of Antonia Food

Antonia Food, a seemingly ordinary store in north London ¹, became the hub for this fraudulent activity. Its owner, Galina Nikolova, was the mastermind behind the operation, manipulating the system using her false identity ¹.

Seizure of Hidden Cash and Evidence

When police raided Nikolova’s property, they discovered a hidden cache of £750,000 in cash ¹. “To seize that much money in one day is unheard of,” said Carolann Mongan, the DWP benefits officer leading the investigation ¹.

The Investigation and Downfall of the Gang

The two-year investigation into this complex web of fraudulent claims revealed that the gang had transported thousands of Bulgarians to London using their identities to file multiple fraudulent claims for Universal Credit ¹.

Fabricated Supporting Documents

The gang provided fabricated tenancy agreements, employment records, GP letters, and evidence of children to back up these fraudulent applications ¹. Initially, the claimants would receive the benefit payments; however, the gang would collect the recurring monthly payments by withdrawing them from various bank accounts ¹.

Extradition and Sentencing of the Suspects

Gyunesh Ali, the scheme’s coordinator, attempted to flee to Plovdiv, Bulgaria. He was later extradited back to the UK ¹. In February 2023, all the main suspects were sentenced as follows ¹:

1. Gyunesh Ali: 7 years and 3 months in prison
2. Stoyan Stoyanov: 4 years in prison
3. Tsvetka Todorova: 3 years in prison
4. Patritsia Paneva: 3 years and 2 months in prison

Galina Nikolova received an 8-year sentence for being responsible for £25m of losses to the taxpayer ¹.

Recovering Stolen Funds and Impact on Taxpayers

As the Crown Prosecution Service continues its efforts to recover the lost funds ¹, this case serves as a reminder of the significant impact organized financial fraud can have on taxpayer funds.