A Nigerian couple, Luciana Akanbi and Femi Akanbi, have been sentenced to three years imprisonment in the United Kingdom after being convicted of a large scale tax fraud scheme involving stolen personal data.
Investigations revealed that sensitive information belonging to employees of Transport for London was used to execute fraudulent tax rebate claims valued at over 433000 pounds. The scheme, which ran between September 2021 and January 2022, involved at least 40 staff members whose personal records were compromised.
Court proceedings at Woolwich Crown Court showed that Luciana Akanbi, aged 38 and employed in the human resources department, had authorised access to employee data. Prosecutors said she exploited this access to obtain personal details, including passport information, national insurance numbers and banking records.
The stolen data was used to create multiple self assessment accounts through which 139 fake tax refund claims were submitted to HM Revenue and Customs. Authorities disclosed that although claims totalled nearly 650000 pounds, the confirmed loss stood at over 433000 pounds.
The court heard that the fraud involved the use of at least 38 electronic devices operated from the couple’s residence and other locations. Prosecutors described the operation as sophisticated, noting that it required careful planning and targeted a significant number of victims.
Judge David Miller, delivering judgment, described the case as the most serious data breach experienced by Transport for London. He stated that the organisation suffered operational and reputational damage, with employees affected by disrupted finances and compromised credit records.
Further evidence revealed that a portion of the stolen funds was traced to the couple’s bank accounts, while significant sums were laundered through a complex financial network. The court also heard that financial pressures, including a reported gambling addiction, contributed to the crime.
Although Luciana initially attempted to shift blame, the court found both defendants played central roles in the scheme. The judge ruled that the offence was made possible by the trust placed in her position.
No compensation order was issued due to a lack of recoverable assets. Authorities confirmed that the couple may face deportation proceedings after serving their sentences, while Transport for London has since strengthened its data protection systems to prevent future breaches.
