Rogue Trader

Updated:Jan 2009

Benefit Fraud Does Not Pay

A confiscation order in the amount of £105,368.21p was yesterday ordered against a Liverpool Market Trader at Liverpool Crown Court.

On 21st December 2005 Stephen Foster, 48 years, from Halewood, Liverpool appeared before Liverpool Crown Court and was convicted of obtaining £16,582.42 by deception. He was sentenced to 12 months Community Service.

The investigation, conducted by the Department of Works and Pensions, targeted traders illegally working on market stalls in the Liverpool area whilst claiming state benefits.

Investigations revealed that Foster, who operated a stall selling sunglasses, sports wear and DVD's, had been receiving benefits since December 2003.

It was also discovered that some of the items on his stall were counterfeit.

As a result of the conviction the matter was referred to the North West Regional Asset Recovery Team to ascertain the amount of benefit Foster had derived from his criminality.

A confiscation hearing held at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 21st August 2006 declared that Foster had criminally benefited in the amount of £274,000 and ordered that he payback £105,368.21p within 6 months or serve 18 months imprisonment in default.

His Honour Judge Denis Clark commented on the investigation being an "investigative tour de force". He also stated that the statements provided to the court by the North West RART were "statements of the highest standard, as always".

Chief Inspector Mike Kellett, Head of the North West RART, commented that this case was a good example of how the RART can work alongside agencies other than those usually associated with law enforcement. He went on to say, "We will continually explore areas where the Proceeds of Crime Act can be rigorously and actively enforced in an effort to remove the wealth associated with criminal activity".
22nd August 2006