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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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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
