A benefits fraud duo has been exposed and convicted after illegally claiming over £86,500 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), as part of a new government zero-tolerance crackdown.
The Fraudulent Claims Uncovered
Denisa Leboova, 31, was found to have fraudulently claimed £54,514 in Universal Credit. The court heard she had failed to disclose her joint living arrangements to the authorities, making her ineligible for the payments she received.
In a separate case, Emma Flynn, 40, admitted to illegally claiming £31,990 in Income Support and Housing Benefit. Her fraud was committed despite the fact she was not living in Northern Ireland at the time of her claims.
Court Sentences and Government Response
At Newry Crown Court, Leboova was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years. Flynn received a 12-month prison sentence, also suspended for two years.
The convictions come as Communities Minister Gordon Lyons vowed a tougher stance on benefit cheats. The DUP Minister stated that the welfare system must be protected from exploitation, emphasising that fraud is not merely a financial issue but a moral one.
He declared, “When individuals cheat the system, they are not stealing from a faceless entity; they are taking from their neighbours, their friends, and their fellow citizens.” Minister Lyons confirmed his personal commitment to a zero-tolerance approach, promising to root out fraud and ensure consequences for those who exploit the system.
A Growing Problem for Taxpayers
This case highlights a significant issue, as benefit scammers are estimated to cost Northern Irish taxpayers more than £160 million every year. The government's renewed focus on naming and shaming offenders signals a determined effort to safeguard public funds and maintain the integrity of the benefits system designed to support the most vulnerable.
