A FRAUDSTER has been jailed for five years for a “systematic attack” on the tax credit system.

Christopher Bhebhe, 28, of Erith, Kent, used stolen identities to claim fraudulent tax credits and benefits.

Sentencing him at Woolwich Crown Court, Judge Byers said his activities represented a sophisticated large-scale conspiracy, which saw him claim £118,013 of fraudulent tax credits and £65,000 of pension credits and Sure Start maternity grants.

During a search of Bhebhe’s former address in Blackheath, south east London, police unearthed a large quantity of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) documents and letters issued to individuals in receipt of tax credits.

HMRC reviewed the paperwork and discovered a number of fraudulent tax credit awards were being paid into bank accounts held in names and aliases of Bhebhe.

By using stolen identities, Bhebhe was able to submit tax credit applications and to open and control bank accounts into which payments could be made.

Further enquiries revealed that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) were also investigating Christopher Bhebhe in relation to fraudulent claims for Sure Start maternity grants and pension credits.

In September 2007, Bhebhe pleaded guilty to the three charges of conspiracy to defraud.

Tim Atkins, HMRC senior investigating officer, said: “This case shows that Christopher Bhebhe carried out an organised systematic attack on the tax credit system. He had little consideration for the public purse or the individuals whose identities he used to commit this fraud. Bhebhe believed himself to be above the law and that he would not be caught. HMRC officers will seek out with determination and persistence any individual or organised gangs who carry out such attacks on the tax credit system and bring them to justice.”

from Bexley Extra