The fraud scheme, which went undetected for years, was facilitated by inadequate checks within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Stoyan Stoyanov, a 28-year-old Bulgarian national, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2024 for his involvement in the UK's largest benefits fraud, which stole over £50 million from taxpayers.

Prosecutors are delaying Stoyanov's deportation as they pursue hidden assets related to the fraud, keeping him on immigration bail.

During a confiscation hearing, Justice Aaronberg KC emphasized the seriousness of Stoyanov's offenses and dismissed his plea for deportation.

The DWP has characterized the gang's operation as a sophisticated attack on the benefits system and is focused on recovering the stolen money.

Gyunesh Ali, another gang member, received a seven-year sentence for flaunting a lavish lifestyle funded by the fraud.

Stoyanov's barrister contested claims that he holds £25 million in hidden assets, labeling it 'ridiculous'.

Despite extensive investigations, only approximately £1 million of the stolen funds has been recovered, with fears that the total amount stolen may exceed £54 million.

Stoyanov has requested deportation to Bulgaria, citing the need for a 'normal life' for his family, who he claims are suffering from health issues.

Stoyanov and his gang made false claims for Universal Credit by hijacking around 6,000 identities over five years, using real individuals and stolen identities.

The gang's lavish lifestyle included purchasing luxury cars and jewelry, and they were found to have mocked UK authorities on WhatsApp during their fraudulent activities.

The gang's ringleader, Galina Nikolova, who is Stoyanov's partner, received an eight-year sentence, while the total prison time for the gang members amounted to 25 years.