A Nigerian couple, Luciana and Femi Akanbi, have been sentenced in the United Kingdom for orchestrating a large-scale fraud involving stolen personal data from Transport for London employees.
The pair were jailed for three years and nine months each after being found guilty of defrauding the UK tax authority through fraudulent rebate claims.
Luciana Akanbi, who worked in the human resources department of Transport for London, was found to have accessed sensitive personal information of colleagues, including passport details, bank records, and National Insurance numbers.
Authorities said the couple used the data of at least 40 employees to submit 139 fake tax rebate claims to HM Revenue and Customs between 2021 and 2022, causing losses of over £433,000.
The court heard that the total value of the fraudulent claims reached nearly £650,000 before detection, with funds quickly moved through complex money laundering channels.
Prosecutors described the scheme as highly organised and involving extensive planning, while the judge noted that the case represented the worst data breach in the history of Transport for London.
Evidence presented showed that portions of the stolen funds were traced to both defendants’ bank accounts, with a significant amount also spent through gambling platforms.
The court further noted that financial pressure and gambling addiction played a role in the offence, particularly affecting Femi Akanbi.
Judge David Miller ruled that both defendants were central to the fraud, adding that their actions caused serious harm to victims whose personal and financial information was exploited.
Transport for London said it had since strengthened its data protection systems, while HMRC warned that it would continue pursuing those who attempt to exploit the tax system.
The court also indicated that deportation proceedings may follow after the completion of their sentences.
