A UK-based Nigerian couple, Luciana and Femi Akanbi, have been sentenced to prison for carrying out a large-scale fraud involving stolen personal data and fake tax rebate claims.
Luciana Akanbi, 38, who worked in human resources at Transport for London, unlawfully accessed confidential information belonging to her colleagues. Investigators revealed that she and her 51-year-old husband used the stolen data—including passport details, National Insurance numbers, and bank information—to submit 139 fraudulent tax refund applications to HM Revenue and Customs.
The fraudulent operation, which took place between September 2021 and January 2022, targeted at least 40 employees and led to losses exceeding £433,000, with total claims nearing £650,000.
At Woolwich Crown Court, the judge described the case as the most serious data breach ever experienced by Transport for London. The breach involved access to over 100 staff records and forced the organisation to tighten its data protection systems, while also affecting staff confidence and morale.
The couple, who reside in Dartford, Kent, were each handed a prison sentence of three years and nine months.
Prosecutors told the court the scheme was highly sophisticated, involving multiple devices and a coordinated effort to process and disperse the stolen funds. Some of the money was traced to the couple’s personal accounts, while a large portion was reportedly lost through gambling and complex money laundering activities.
Luciana Akanbi was also accused of attempting to deflect blame after her arrest by pointing to a relative in the IT sector. Meanwhile, Femi Akanbi was described as a key figure who helped facilitate the fraudulent claims.
In delivering judgment, the court stressed the serious breach of trust, particularly by Luciana, who exploited her position to access sensitive employee data. The judge also noted the significant impact on victims, including financial distress and complications with their tax records.
Authorities from Transport for London said stronger safeguards have since been implemented to prevent future incidents, while HM Revenue and Customs warned that it will continue to pursue and prosecute those involved in tax fraud.
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