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UK Gang Sentenced for £53.9 Million Universal Credit Fraud

1/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A UK gang defrauded £53.9 million in Universal Credit via about 6,000 false claims.
The group, including Galina Nikolova and Stoyan Stoyanov, was sentenced to 25 years after pleading guilty to fraud and money laundering in May 2024.
The four-year operation was uncovered in May 2021, showing luxury items purchased with the stolen funds.
They were ordered to repay £2 million, and the Department for Work and Pensions continues recovery efforts.

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Story summary

A UK gang defrauded £53.9 million in Universal Credit via about 6,000 false claims.
The group, including Galina Nikolova and Stoyan Stoyanov, was sentenced to 25 years after pleading guilty to fraud and money laundering in May 2024.
The four-year operation was uncovered in May 2021, showing luxury items purchased with the stolen funds.
They were ordered to repay £2 million, and the Department for Work and Pensions continues recovery efforts.