Bulgarian Organized Crime Group Convicted for GBP 50 Million Universal Credit Fraud in UK

A Bulgarian organized crime group (OCG) was brought to justice for the largest ever fraud against the UK benefit system, resulted in over GBP 50 million (EUR 58 million) in damages. Five Bulgarian nationals, identified as key players, received over 25 years in prison collectively.

The Scam Mastermind

One of the perpetrators, sentenced to eight years in prison, masterminded the fraud by making thousands of false claims for Universal Credit (UK social security payment) between October 2016 and May 2021.

• Used a combination of real people and hijacked identities
• Supported by forged documents: tenancy agreements, counterfeit payslips, and forged letters

Damage and Laundering

The damage caused by this scheme is estimated to be over GBP 50 million. The money gained from fraudulent claims was laundered through numerous transfers between several accounts.

• Recruiters based in Bulgaria received payments
• Once the proceeds were secured, they returned to Bulgaria

Arrests & Extraditions

The first arrests were made in the UK on May 5, 2021. One suspect managed to evade capture and escaped to Bulgaria, who was later extradited back to the UK on February 25, 2023.

The Investigation

The investigation was initiated at Eurojust in June 2021 at the request of the UK authorities. A joint investigation team (JIT) was established in January 2022 with Eurojust support to facilitate direct evidence exchange.

Active Authorities

The following authorities were actively involved in the case:

• Bulgaria: District Prosecutor’s Office- Sliven
• United Kingdom: Crown Prosecution Service, Department for Work and Pensions

With JIT’s help, evidence was exchanged between authorities to support asset recovery and confiscation. The efforts of both UK and Bulgarian authorities continue to unravel the implications of this organized crime group’s actions.