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04/08/2004
57 held in anti-piracy swoops
Fifty-seven people have been arrested in a nationwide operation designed to uncover benefits fraudsters who are operating as merchants peddling dodgy DVDs to bargain hunters.
Anti-fraud investigators from the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP), combined forces with the police and Trading Standards for Operation Zouk, and swooping on dealers at markets and car boot sales in the North East, East of England and Yorkshire.
The raids netted over half a million pounds worth of DVDs and CDs. The haul included titles such as 'Troy', 'Spiderman 2' and 'Shrek 2' – the latter two are still being shown in the cinema.
Forty-five of those arrested were claiming benefits and could face charges on benefit fraud.
Anti-Fraud Minister Chris Pond said: “This is an excellent example of how well we can tackle benefit fraud when we work closely with other agencies. Benefit cheats rip off the public to the tune of £2 billion a year. That’s £80 per household.
“We’ve already cut fraud in the two main benefits by 40% and operations like this send out a clear message to benefit crooks; ‘We’re on to you’”.
An alliance of creative industries’ enforcement bodies, led by the BPI, including FACT (representing the film industry) and MCPS (representing publishing companies), assisted the DwP on the operations. Further raids are planned for the next few weeks.
Around £10 billion a year is spent on counterfeit goods and much of it is ploughed back into other criminal activity. A further £1.7 billion is also lost through unpaid taxes on goods.
In July, raids on markets in Liverpool, Exeter and Wakefield recovered £1.1 million in counterfeit goods and led to investigations into 15 people about benefit fraud.
(gmcg)
Anti-fraud investigators from the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP), combined forces with the police and Trading Standards for Operation Zouk, and swooping on dealers at markets and car boot sales in the North East, East of England and Yorkshire.
The raids netted over half a million pounds worth of DVDs and CDs. The haul included titles such as 'Troy', 'Spiderman 2' and 'Shrek 2' – the latter two are still being shown in the cinema.
Forty-five of those arrested were claiming benefits and could face charges on benefit fraud.
Anti-Fraud Minister Chris Pond said: “This is an excellent example of how well we can tackle benefit fraud when we work closely with other agencies. Benefit cheats rip off the public to the tune of £2 billion a year. That’s £80 per household.
“We’ve already cut fraud in the two main benefits by 40% and operations like this send out a clear message to benefit crooks; ‘We’re on to you’”.
An alliance of creative industries’ enforcement bodies, led by the BPI, including FACT (representing the film industry) and MCPS (representing publishing companies), assisted the DwP on the operations. Further raids are planned for the next few weeks.
Around £10 billion a year is spent on counterfeit goods and much of it is ploughed back into other criminal activity. A further £1.7 billion is also lost through unpaid taxes on goods.
In July, raids on markets in Liverpool, Exeter and Wakefield recovered £1.1 million in counterfeit goods and led to investigations into 15 people about benefit fraud.
(gmcg)
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26 March 2004
Maxine Carr in court over benefit fraud charges
Maxine Carr, the former girlfriend of Soham murderer Ian Huntley, has appeared before Peterborough magistrates court today charged with benefit fraud and lying on job applications. Carr is accused of fraudulently obtaining more than £3,300 in various bogus benefits claims and lying about her GCSE results in job applications.
Maxine Carr in court over benefit fraud charges
Maxine Carr, the former girlfriend of Soham murderer Ian Huntley, has appeared before Peterborough magistrates court today charged with benefit fraud and lying on job applications. Carr is accused of fraudulently obtaining more than £3,300 in various bogus benefits claims and lying about her GCSE results in job applications.
24 September 2004
Study shows benefits of bank account benefits
Independent research published today shows that 90% of people prefer having benefits put directly into a bank account, according to a Downing Street spokesperson. The Direct Payment system is now on track to reach 85% of pensioners, mothers, carers and jobseekers by April 2005.
Study shows benefits of bank account benefits
Independent research published today shows that 90% of people prefer having benefits put directly into a bank account, according to a Downing Street spokesperson. The Direct Payment system is now on track to reach 85% of pensioners, mothers, carers and jobseekers by April 2005.
05 November 2013
Badger Cull In Somerset Ends
The pilot badger cull in Somerset ended on Friday 1 November. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson updated Parliamenton the results of the cull following the conclusion of the three week licence extension granted by Natural England.
Badger Cull In Somerset Ends
The pilot badger cull in Somerset ended on Friday 1 November. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson updated Parliamenton the results of the cull following the conclusion of the three week licence extension granted by Natural England.
11 July 2003
UK companies benefit from Eureka funding
Thirty-six UK companies involved in 17 research projects are set to benefit from multi-million pound funding through their involvement in Eureka – the Europe-wide, government-funded technology initiative.
UK companies benefit from Eureka funding
Thirty-six UK companies involved in 17 research projects are set to benefit from multi-million pound funding through their involvement in Eureka – the Europe-wide, government-funded technology initiative.
17 December 2004
Benefits fraud cut by over one billion pounds
Benefits fraud has been slashed by half, saving over £1 billion according to Government statistics published today. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) reported exceeding a target to cut fraud and error in the main benefits by one third by March 2004.
Benefits fraud cut by over one billion pounds
Benefits fraud has been slashed by half, saving over £1 billion according to Government statistics published today. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) reported exceeding a target to cut fraud and error in the main benefits by one third by March 2004.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
