Specialist teams from Nottinghamshire Police who were investigating reports of fraud totaling over £100,000 descended on a house in Ruddington this week as part of a proactive and intelligence-led action into the claims.
Officers from Operation Reacher, a unit that specialises in organised crime group (OCGs), along with investigators from the Department for Work and Pensions, carried out the warrant on Tuesday, September 28 as part of an investigation into false claims for benefits.
It is alleged that members of the public had been coerced into giving personal details, which had then been used to falsely claim Universal Credit.
Intelligence led officers to carry out the warrant in Musters Road in the Nottinghamshire village which lies 5 miles south of Nottingham in the Borough of Rushcliffe. A 27-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and fraud by false representation.
A number of items, including documents and a mobile phone, were recovered and will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Operation Reacher Sergeant Matt Sisson, overseeing the police support of the warrant, said: “Fraud is an awful crime where often a person’s vulnerability is targeted in order for offenders to gain financially from it.
“We assisted with this warrant as part of an ongoing investigation by the Department for Work and Pensions and a woman was subsequently arrested. She remains in custody.
“As part of a policing team who are committed to working proactively to tackle issues that are affecting our communities, it has been really pleasing to be able to work in this way alongside partners to help their investigation as we know exactly how effective this can be.”
Minister for Welfare Delivery David Rutley said: “I commend the action taken by Nottinghamshire police today which shows that by working together we can put a stop to organised crime, protect taxpayers money and make sure help isn’t diverted from those most in need.”
Reporting
Report all Fraud and Cybercrime to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or online. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Report SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 (spells SPAM on the keypad).
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