A Nigerian couple, Luciana and Femi Akanbi, have been sentenced to prison in the United Kingdom for orchestrating a large-scale fraud involving stolen personal data of Transport for London (TfL) staff, described as the agency’s worst data breach.
According to KentLive, both were handed three years and nine months each after defrauding the UK tax authority through fraudulent rebate claims.
The court heard that Luciana Akanbi, 38, who worked in TfL’s human resources department, illegally accessed sensitive details of colleagues, including passport information, National Insurance numbers and bank records.
Prosecutors at Woolwich Crown Court said the couple used data belonging to at least 40 employees to file 139 fake tax rebate claims to HM Revenue and Customs.
The fraud, carried out between September 2021 and January 2022, led to losses exceeding £433,000, while the total claims submitted were valued at nearly £650,000.
Delivering judgment, Judge David Miller described the incident as the worst data breach in TfL’s history, noting its wide operational and reputational impact.
Judge Miller said, “TfL suffered their worst ever data breach. It meant they had to change their systems.
“It affected their morale, I am told, and staff performance. You acquired and used the personal details of 40 employees in relation to making the claims for tax rebates, but accessed the details of 107 employees.
“There were 139 claims in respect of 40 employees by self-assessment accounts being set up by you and others, using 38 computer devices from your own home and others. The effect was that there were 139 claims for tax rebates totalling just under £649,000.
“The money lost to HMRC amounted to just over £433,000. That money was almost instantly dissipated in a complex money laundering scheme.”
Prosecutors described the operation as highly organised, involving extensive planning and multiple victims, with funds quickly routed through laundering channels.
Evidence showed about £66,000 was traced to Femi Akanbi’s account and £16,000 to Luciana’s, though the court said their overall benefit was higher.
The court also heard that financial pressure and Femi’s gambling addiction contributed to the offence, with over £50,000 of the stolen funds reportedly spent on gambling platforms.
Judge Miller further noted that Luciana initially attempted to deflect blame, suggesting a relative in IT may have been responsible. However, the court found both defendants centrally involved, stressing the abuse of trust given Luciana’s position.
Following sentencing, Transport for London said it had strengthened its internal systems, while HMRC reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting tax fraud. The court also indicated possible deportation proceedings after the couple serve their sentences.
