The gang used millions of dollars to live a lavish lifestyle.

Five Bulgarian nationals have been convicted and face jail for their role in a massive welfare fraud scheme that reportedly stole an estimated £54 million (Rs 5,67,16,860), the largest ever recorded in the UK Amount Metro News.

The gang, identified as Galina Nikolova (38), Stoyan Stoyanov (27), Tsvetka Todorova (52), Gyunesh Ali (33) and Patritsia Paneva (26), all pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering charges. news media.

Their operation involved the making of thousands of fraudulent Universal Credit claims over a five-year period (October 2016 to 2021). They use a variety of methods to cheat the system, including creating false identities and submitting forged documents such as tenancy agreements, payslips and letters from landlords, employers and even GPs.

A determined gang will not give up on a denied claim, relentlessly resubmitting it until it is approved.

Authorities uncovered “welfare mills” operating as fronts for criminal activity in London. These businesses pose as legitimate organizations and help people obtain National Insurance numbers and their legal benefits. However, once the applicant submitted his claim, he was essentially taken over by the gang.

The investigation further revealed a money laundering scheme used to clean up the stolen funds.

Full details of the sentencing have not yet been released. The case highlights major vulnerabilities in the welfare system and provides a warning for tougher measures to prevent future large-scale fraud.

Specialist prosecutor Ben Reid, representing the CPS, described it as a “complex and challenging case” that required “close and effective cooperation” between British authorities, Bulgarian counterparts and EU crime agency Eurojust.