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12/04/2002
Four charged following major benefit fraud probe
Police have charged four people as part of a major investigation into social security fraud. The alleged benefit fraud is estimated to have cost the Social Security Agency about £300,000 in lost revenues.
Minister of Social Development Nigel Dodds praised the police and Social Security Agency for their actions and said that the community "cannot and will not tolerate benefit cheats". He then pledged "to reduce the amount of money lost through fraud and abuse”.
The investigation into the allegations, codenamed 'Operation Neapolitan', lasted almost a year and culminated in the arrests of a number of people in north and west Belfast early on Friday morning April 12. As well as four people charged, six others will be reported to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
About £100,000 worth of stolen vehicles, drugs and other goods used by the suspects were also recovered.
A police spokesman said: “This is a fine example of joint agency cooperation and shows the PSNI's determination to pursue and prosecute organised criminality.”
Mr Dodds added: “Benefit cheats are not just defrauding government, but their own neighbours and communities. They must realise that they cannot abuse the benefit system and steal from the rest of society with impunity.
“Money lost through fraud could be used to boost needy public services. For example, £1m could install much-needed central heating for 387 pensioners or fully insulate and make draught proof the homes of 2,817 families.” (AMcE)
Minister of Social Development Nigel Dodds praised the police and Social Security Agency for their actions and said that the community "cannot and will not tolerate benefit cheats". He then pledged "to reduce the amount of money lost through fraud and abuse”.
The investigation into the allegations, codenamed 'Operation Neapolitan', lasted almost a year and culminated in the arrests of a number of people in north and west Belfast early on Friday morning April 12. As well as four people charged, six others will be reported to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
About £100,000 worth of stolen vehicles, drugs and other goods used by the suspects were also recovered.
A police spokesman said: “This is a fine example of joint agency cooperation and shows the PSNI's determination to pursue and prosecute organised criminality.”
Mr Dodds added: “Benefit cheats are not just defrauding government, but their own neighbours and communities. They must realise that they cannot abuse the benefit system and steal from the rest of society with impunity.
“Money lost through fraud could be used to boost needy public services. For example, £1m could install much-needed central heating for 387 pensioners or fully insulate and make draught proof the homes of 2,817 families.” (AMcE)
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17 June 2004
Social Security Agency reduces fraud losses by £6.25m
The Social Security Agency has saved more than £6.25 million of taxpayers’ money after investigating more than 4,000 cases of benefit fraud, it was revealed today. During the period from April 2003 to March 2004, the Agency investigated more than 7,700 benefit cases, resulting in changes to the benefits paid in almost 4,000 instances.
Social Security Agency reduces fraud losses by £6.25m
The Social Security Agency has saved more than £6.25 million of taxpayers’ money after investigating more than 4,000 cases of benefit fraud, it was revealed today. During the period from April 2003 to March 2004, the Agency investigated more than 7,700 benefit cases, resulting in changes to the benefits paid in almost 4,000 instances.
16 October 2008
Thousands Aided By Benefit Take-Up Campaign
Thousands of people in NI are now likely to be better off after being offered a full benefit assessment to identify additional benefits they should be claiming.
Thousands Aided By Benefit Take-Up Campaign
Thousands of people in NI are now likely to be better off after being offered a full benefit assessment to identify additional benefits they should be claiming.
01 September 2011
Benefit Frauds Lose Money - But Not Always
New regulations on those found guilty of benefit fraud are to 'deny' claimants benefits for a month - under a new 'One Strike' rule. However, while fraudsters will automatically lose benefit for four weeks, on being successfully prosecuted, a 'Hardship Provision' will apply to ensure that the basic needs of vulnerable people continue to be met.
Benefit Frauds Lose Money - But Not Always
New regulations on those found guilty of benefit fraud are to 'deny' claimants benefits for a month - under a new 'One Strike' rule. However, while fraudsters will automatically lose benefit for four weeks, on being successfully prosecuted, a 'Hardship Provision' will apply to ensure that the basic needs of vulnerable people continue to be met.
27 October 2006
Woman gets conditional discharge for benefit fraud
A woman has been convicted at Belfast Magistrate’s Court today for living with her partner while claiming benefit as a single person. Elizabeth McClean, 36, of Connsbrook Drive, Belfast, was given a two-year conditional discharge for claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit to the value of £3,790.
Woman gets conditional discharge for benefit fraud
A woman has been convicted at Belfast Magistrate’s Court today for living with her partner while claiming benefit as a single person. Elizabeth McClean, 36, of Connsbrook Drive, Belfast, was given a two-year conditional discharge for claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit to the value of £3,790.
06 September 2011
Tougher Benefit Fraud Move Leads To Row
A political row has followed a Stormont Minister's recent introduction of new, tougher laws to address the scourge of benefit fraud.
Tougher Benefit Fraud Move Leads To Row
A political row has followed a Stormont Minister's recent introduction of new, tougher laws to address the scourge of benefit fraud.
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