Overview
- Tsvetka Todorova says she has been receiving Universal Credit since December 30 after her release, estimating her payments at about £200 a month.
- She has returned to a rented flat in Erith, is on immigration bail, and says she plans to resist removal to Bulgaria.
- Most members of the organised fraud ring have been released on immigration bail, with co-conspirator Gyunesh Ali remaining in custody.
- Prosecutors describe the operation as using around 6,000 stolen identities and multiple London-based 'benefit factories'; Todorova was sentenced to three years in May 2024.
- Authorities have recovered roughly £1 million and are seeking about £1 million more, and officials warn non-payment of confiscation orders could mean a return to prison and subsequent deportation.