Benefit Fraudmaster Ordered to Pay Back £2 Million or Face Jail
A Manchester man who faked the identities of nearly 200 children to scam millions from the welfare system has been slapped with a huge £2.16 million repayment order – or he’ll be locked up for nine years, official sources revealed.
Ali Bana Mohamed’s Decade-Long Scam
Ali Bana Mohamed, 42, from Hulme, Manchester, was caught orchestrating a 10-year benefits racket that stole at least £1.7 million from taxpayers. The fraudster used stolen adult identities and forged birth certificates to create fake claims for 188 imaginary children.
Mohamed roped in family and friends, submitting bogus claims under around 70 different adult names. The ruse? He claimed these adults were caring for the fake kids – and were entitled to child benefits and tax credits.
How the Fraud Was Uncovered
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) grew suspicious when the same two phone numbers popped up repeatedly on unrelated claims. This tipped off the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which launched “Operation Paratrooper.”
The investigation exposed Mohamed and six accomplices behind the scheme. Authorities tracked fraudulent activity tied to four Manchester properties, including a fast-food joint and café, and uncovered £500,000 moved through illegal bank transactions.
Justice Served – But More to Pay
Mohamed copped 29 fraud offences and was jailed for three and a half years in 2022. The sentence was lighter because he’s already serving 16 years for drug and immigration crimes.
His six co-conspirators received over 13 years in prison combined, with one handed a suspended sentence.
Judge Brian Cummings praised DWP officers for their “skill and determination” in cracking the case.
New Confiscation Order Hits Fraudster Hard
On December 22, 2023, Liverpool Crown Court ordered Mohamed to repay £2,164,828.30 under the Proceeds of Crime Act. This legal move targets the profit made from crime, making sure criminals don’t benefit.
Government Vows to Tackle Benefit Cheats
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “Our welfare system is predicated on fairness, and we will make sure that those who need our help receive it and those who wish to exploit the system face justice.”
The DWP is pumping £900 million into fighting benefit fraud over the next three years. New laws will let officials dig deeper into benefit claimants’ finances. Their anti-fraud team saved taxpayers £1.1 billion last year alone.
With fraud costing the UK an eye-watering £8 billion a year, the crackdown shows the government means business in protecting public funds.
