Partner operation after £70k fraud

Joint partner operation strike over Universal Credit Claims totalling almost £70k.

The North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) has joined forces with the Department for Work and Pensions after intelligence led them to a number of suspected benefit fraudsters.

An investigation was launched, after over £69,000 of Universal Credit Claims were found to be suspicious due to potential identity fraud.

Yesterday (Thursday), the operation saw a total of three simultaneous strikes carried out in South Shields and Hebburn– resulting in the arrest of three suspects.

Two men aged 42 and 45, and a woman, 38, were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and dishonest retention of wrongful credits. They have all since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Searches of the premises also enabled the team to seize various items for evidence.

NEROCU Detective Sergeant James Woodcock, from the Proactive Economic Crime Team, said: “This has been a fantastic result from months of hard work and planning by ourselves and the Department of Work and Pensions, so it is great to see arrests made.

“I want to thank those involved and send a message to anyone involved in economic criminality – you’re not going under our radar; you are committing an offence, and you will find police at your door.

“We’ll continue this type of work under Operation Sentinel, our region wide approach to tackling and dismantling serious and organised crime in all its forms.”

If you have concerns someone is committing fraud you can report it to your local police force via 101 or their website or contact Action Fraud.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.