UK Court Jails Nigerian Couple Over £433,000 TfL Tax Fraud

UK Court Jails Nigerian Couple Over £433,000 TfL Tax Fraud

A United Kingdom court has sentenced a Nigerian couple, Luciana and Femi Akanbi, to prison after uncovering a sophisticated tax rebate fraud scheme that cost authorities more than £433,000.

The couple were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court for orchestrating the fraud using stolen personal data belonging to employees of Transport for London, in a case described as one of the most serious internal data breaches linked to the agency.

Court proceedings revealed that the fraudulent activities took place between September 2021 and January 2022, during which confidential information belonging to at least 40 staff members—including passport details, National Insurance numbers, and banking records—was used to submit 139 false tax rebate claims to HM Revenue and Customs.

Prosecutors told the court that Luciana Akanbi, 38, who worked in the human resources department of Transport for London, had access to sensitive personal records of about 107 employees. This access enabled the couple to create multiple self-assessment accounts and process fraudulent claims.

While the total value of claims submitted approached £650,000, authorities confirmed that the actual financial loss stood at over £433,000, with the funds quickly moved through a complex money-laundering network.

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Delivering judgment, Judge David Miller described the incident as the worst data breach ever experienced by Transport for London, noting that the organisation was forced to overhaul its systems as a result.

He stated that the scheme significantly impacted victims, many of whom had to deal with disrupted finances, damaged credit ratings, and prolonged engagements with tax authorities.

The court also heard that approximately £66,000 was traced to Femi Akanbi’s bank account, while about £16,000 was linked to Luciana, although the total benefit from the fraud was believed to be higher.

Prosecutor Andrew Evans described the operation as highly sophisticated, involving careful planning, multiple digital devices, and numerous victims. Investigations revealed that at least 38 electronic devices were used to execute the fraudulent claims.

Further evidence suggested that financial pressures contributed to the crime, with Femi Akanbi reportedly battling a gambling addiction following health challenges during the COVID-19 period. The court heard that over £50,000 of the stolen funds was channelled into gambling accounts.

Judge Miller rejected attempts by Luciana to shift blame, ruling that both defendants played central roles in the scheme, which was made possible by her position of trust within the organisation.

He also declined to issue a compensation order, citing the couple’s lack of recoverable assets, but indicated they may face deportation proceedings after serving their sentences.

In response, Transport for London said it has strengthened internal systems to prevent future breaches, while HM Revenue and Customs reiterated its commitment to tackling tax fraud and protecting public funds.

The case highlights growing concerns over identity theft, insider data breaches, and financial fraud, particularly within large organisations handling sensitive personal information.

UK Court Jails Nigerian Couple Over £433,000 TfL Tax Fraud