27 June 2006
ASSETS OF BENEFIT FRAUDSTER ARE CONFISCATED
The Social Security Agency today won its first case under the Proceeds of Crime Act to confiscate assets gained through benefit fraud.
At Craigavon Crown Court the Agency was granted a Confiscation Order to the value of £22,261 against a woman from Dunmurry.
The woman was convicted at Lisburn Magistrate's Court on January 26 for falsely claiming benefits as a single parent whilst living with her husband who was in full-time employment.
A spokesperson for the Agency said: "This is the first case which the Agency has taken to a confiscation hearing and we are delighted with the result. It sends out the important message that crime does not pay. Benefit fraud costs £28m per year in Northern Ireland.
"Through the application of the Proceeds of Crime Act, people who commit benefit fraud can be stripped of the assets which they have illegally gained. Our Fraud Investigation Unit has further similar cases in the pipeline. We will also continue to work in partnership with the Assets Recovery Agency. "
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 created the Assets Recovery Agency and provided new powers to recover the proceeds of unlawful activity. These powers also extend to civilian financial investigators of law enforcement authorities hat they have been accredited by the ARA.
- The Social Security Agency intends to use these powers and established a Financial Investigation Unit in April 2005.
- Media enquiries only to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9497.
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