The North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) joined forces with the Department for Work and Pensions after intelligence indicated individuals were claiming State Pension and Personal Independence Payments for someone who had died two years ago.  

On Friday (6 June), a strike was executed at an address on Lancaster Hill in Peterlee, and a 46-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of Fraud by false representation, retaining a wrongful credit and fraud by failing to disclose information. They have 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 is just the latest demonstration of police and partners working together to tackle fraud from all angles.  

“These types of arrests won’t stop here; we’re committed to using every resource at our disposal to ensure anyone believed to be involved in economic criminality sees the consequences of their illegal actions. 

“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.” 

Minister for Transformation, Andrew Western said: "Our ongoing partnership with NEROCU is vital in tackling benefit fraud and protecting taxpayers’ money. 

“We are bringing forward the biggest fraud crackdown in a generation as part of wider plans that will save £9.6billion by 2030.  

"We are making it absolutely clear that we will not tolerate any waste and are committed to safeguarding taxpayer's money so it can be invested in the public services we all deserve."

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.