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CPS to prosecute over alleged £400,000 benefit fraud (15 July 2014)

Date: 15/07/2014
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, CPS to prosecute over alleged £400,000 benefit fraud

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced that 24 benefit claimants are to stand trial after being charged with benefit fraud amounting to nearly more than £400,000.

The Central Criminal Investigation Service – part of the department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – uncovered the fraud, which allegedly involves a group of 18 men and six women “hijacking” the identities of unsuspecting members of the public to use for fraudulent benefit claims.

DWP investigators say it is possible that some members of the group had access to third-party personal data and provided this to others to enable them to make fraudulent claims for DWP benefits, such as Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment Support Allowance.

Between July 2011 and September 2013, the benefit claimants amassed £446,844.85 as a result of fraudulent benefit claims, the CPS said.

Deputy Head of the CPS Specialist Fraud Division, Andrew Penhale, said:

“Following an investigation by the Central Criminal Investigation Service, part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the CPS has authorised charges against 18 men and six women – all of whom live or work in London – in connection with alleged benefit fraud.
“In order to carry out this fraud, it is alleged that the defendants hijacked the identities of innocent members of the public without their knowledge or consent.
“The evidence suggests that some of the defendants had access to third-party personal data, before providing details to other defendants in order for them to make fraudulent claims for DWP benefits – namely Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment Support Allowance.
“The 24 individuals are charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation. In accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, we have determined that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and a prosecution of all the defendants is in the public interest.”
The defendants are charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation, contrary to Section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977. They are due to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court later in July.
As part of its welfare reforms, the government has pledged to crack down on benefit fraud – and also benefit overpayments.

The government says that £1.2 billion of taxpayers’ money is lost to benefit fraud annually.

Duncan Lewis Benefit Fraud Lawyers



Duncan Lewis benefit fraud lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge for benefit fraud.

Duncan Lewis benefit fraud lawyers can advise on charges relating to



  • Bedroom Tax fraud

  • Blue Badge fraud

  • Child Tax Credits fraud

  • Council Tax fraud

  • Disability Allowance fraud

  • Employment Support Allowance fraud

  • Housing Benefit fraud

  • Identity fraud

  • Income Support fraud

  • Jobseeker’s Allowance fraud

  • Pension Credits fraud

  • Universal Payment fraud.



Duncan Lewis solicitors are also a leading provider of Legal Aid services.

For expert legal advice on benefit fraud charges, contact Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

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