The gang used genuine persons or stolen identities to make thousands of fake claims for universal credit in what is believed to be the biggest benefit fraud and money laundering enterprise in England and Wales.
Judge David Aaronberg KC stated that Gyunesh Ali, 34, engaged in fraud by false representation “on an industrial scale” in the conspiracy that also included other Bulgarians Galina Nikolova, 39, Stoyan Stoyanov, 28, Tsvetka Todorova, 53, and Patritsia Paneva, 27.
They admitted guilt to many fraud and money laundering-related charges and were given a combined term of 25 years and five months in prison at Wood Green Crown Court in London.
The judge acknowledged that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) put in “an enormous amount of work” to prosecute the group, and they were all informed they could face deportation after serving their sentences.
During a raid on their houses, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reported that fashionable watches, jackets, and eyewear, a fancy automobile, and bundles of cash stuffed in shopping bags and suitcases were discovered.
A gang member was also seen on camera tossing stacks of twenty-pound notes into the air.
