Frederika Gazova, 26, was sentenced for defrauding the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) out of more than £34,000 in Universal Credit payments. Gazova falsely claimed to be employed for 16 hours a week in the cleaning department of Bala Sat, a company in Harehills Road, Leeds, which had no record of her.
At Leeds Crown Court on November 29, 2024, the business owner confirmed that Gazova had never worked for the company. She had submitted a fabricated payslip and falsely claimed to be working in a non-existent cleaning department to support her Universal Credit claim.
During the trial, Gazova admitted to her wrongdoing. A Probation Service worker noted that while she expressed some remorse, there were concerns about whether she fully understood the seriousness of her actions, especially considering the length of time the fraud continued.
Gazova has repaid £500 of the £34,000 she falsely claimed. She is in a long-term relationship, has two children, and lives in a rented property, paying £700 in rent each month.
