Tsvetka Todorova, a Bulgarian woman once at the center of Britain’s largest ever welfare fraud, is back in London, seemingly attempting to rebuild her life—though not without controversy.
The 54-year-old, who was jailed for three years in May 2024 for her role in a conspiracy that siphoned over £54 million from the UK’s welfare system, has reportedly returned to Universal Credit alongside her husband.
Back on Benefits Despite Past Crimes
After her release, Todorova re-registered for benefits at her London home.
She claimed that her husband receives £1,300 a month through Universal Credit and insisted that their lifestyle was modest.
The revelation, first reported by the Daily Mail, prompted the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to review her entitlement.
The agency has since confirmed she will need to repay all the benefits she has received post-release.
Proceeds of Crime and Ongoing Hearings
Todorova is also expected to face a confiscation hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act, which could see her repay some of the money she illegally obtained.
The rest of the gang, responsible for the £54 million scam, have so far been ordered to return just £2 million collectively.
Todorova is now waiting for her own proceedings, though she has boasted that certain assets remain out of the reach of UK authorities.
“We rent our London flat,” she told reporters, “and we have a two-bedroom house in Bulgaria valued at £90,000.
But the prosecution can’t touch it because it’s in both our names.
My husband isn’t involved in the case.”
When asked about the property, she added, “We go there for vacation.”
A Life of Boasts and Complaints
Despite her legal troubles, Todorova has openly discussed her life post-prison.
She described her time in jail as “like a vacation,” mentioning hair treatments and manicures.
She also admitted feeling stressed about repaying benefits, citing personal issues like dental problems.
She explained, “I’ve been back on benefits since December 30. It’s about £200 a month. My husband gets over £1,000, I think £1,300, and more besides.”
Her comments come amid reports that other gang members are enjoying early freedom.
Neighbors describe one of her co-conspirators, Patritsia Paneva, as spending her time smoking outside in a dressing gown and living a leisurely lifestyle after making at least £225,000 from the scam.
The Scale of the Scam
The fraud gang, which included Todorova and four others, exploited thousands of false Universal Credit claims over four-and-a-half years.
Using over 6,000 stolen identities—including those of children in Bulgaria—they created “benefit factories” across London.
Fake tenancy agreements, forged pay slips, and counterfeit letters from landlords, employers, and doctors were all used to dupe the DWP.
The scam came to light only after a Bulgarian police officer flagged unusual cash flows in the city of Sliven, revealing a criminal network targeting the UK.
Authorities have recovered roughly £1 million so far, and aim to recoup another £1 million, though this is a tiny fraction of the total stolen.
Prosecutors explained that officials can realistically trace only some of the stolen money, as large amounts were moved overseas in cash.
No Apologies, Only Defiance
Todorova has refused to apologize, insisting she was innocent despite pleading guilty in court.
She said, “I was only helping. They’ve made a mistake with me.”
She also stated that she plans to stay in Britain, asserting that immigration authorities cannot force her to leave while she remains on bail.
Community Reactions and Ongoing Investigations
Neighbors have shared glimpses of her lifestyle, reporting frequent parcel deliveries and occasional displays of expensive clothing.
Meanwhile, other gang members who received early release are living quiet, relaxed lives while awaiting deportation once confiscation proceedings conclude.
The case underscores the challenges of fully reclaiming stolen funds in complex benefit fraud schemes and highlights the ongoing tensions around welfare fraud and public trust.
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