Four arrested in benefit fraud probe

Four people have been arrested and charged in Belfast following a lengthy investigation into organised social security fraud, police said today.

The ‘‘major organised benefit fraud’’ was believed to have cost the Social Security Agency more than £300,000 (€489,000).

The arrests were the culmination of an investigation which had lasted over a year and involved the police working closely with the SSA Fraud Unit.

The four have been charged with various offences under the Serious Fraud Act, the Theft Act and the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act. Six more people have been reported to the Director of Prosecutions .

During the investigation detectives recovered £100,000 (€163,000) worth of stolen cars which were allegedly being used by the suspects, drugs and other stolen items, said police.

‘‘This was a fine example of joint agency co-operation and shows the PSNI’s determination to pursue and prosecute organised criminality,’’ said the Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesman.