Nigerian couple jailed in UK for £433,000 tax fraud using stolen Transport for London employee data

Luciana and Femi Akanbi, a Nigerian couple, have been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison each in the United Kingdom for a large-scale tax fraud. Luciana Akanbi, 38, who worked in Transport for London's human resources department, accessed sensitive personal information of 107 colleagues, including passport details, National Insurance numbers, and bank records. The couple used the data of at least 40 employees to submit 139 fraudulent tax rebate claims to HM Revenue and Customs between September 2021 and January 2022. This fraud resulted in losses of over £433,000 to the public purse, with total claims submitted nearing £650,000. Judge David Miller described the case as the most severe data breach in Transport for London's history, impacting staff morale and performance. The court heard that the proceeds were rapidly moved through a complex money laundering network, with over £50,000 paid into gambling accounts. While Luciana initially attempted to deflect blame, the judge ruled both defendants were central to the scheme. Transport for London has since strengthened its data protection systems, and HM Revenue and Customs warned of continued pursuit of tax fraudsters. The couple may face deportation after serving their sentences.