Tsvetka Todorova was branded one of the UK’s “biggest benefits cheats” when she was sentenced for conspiracy to make false representations and possession of articles for use in fraud
A woman branded one of the UK’s “biggest benefits cheats” after she and her mates siphoned £54million has bragged about having a house — which she has refused to sell.
Tsvetka Todorova, 54, was initially ordered to repay only a tiny portion of her ill-gotten gains after she and four other fraudsters lodged roughly 6,000 fake applications for Universal Credit. This decision led to a backlash, following which Todorova has now been ordered to pay back her share in full.
Yet, despite this, the woman — who was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and served less than two — has now found the gall to brag about a house she and her husband own, and have refused to sell. She said: “Our place in London is rented. We have a two-bedroom house in Bulgaria that the prosecution has valued at £90,000 but they can’t touch it.
“We are married and the house is in both our names. My husband has no connection to the case.” Asked what she used the house for, Todorova replied: “We go there for vacation.”
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Todorova was released from jail early despite being sentenced to a three-year stint in May 2024. Since her release, she signed on to Universal Credit alongside her husband, who she says receives £1,300 a month.
Speaking from her home in Erith, southeast London, Todorova vowed not to pay back a penny. This is despite a review by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) into the Todorova’s benefits claims. The DWP told the Daily Mail the woman will need to pay back all the money she has received.
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The criminal, originally from Bulgaria, told the publication she had heard from the DWP that her entitlement to benefits was being reviewed, before it was revealed she would have to pay the money back. She said she felt “very stressed” and wanted money to fix her “broken” teeth, which were causing her pain.
Speaking previously, Todorova had told reporters she “loved it” in Britain, adding: “I’ve been back on benefits since December 30. It’ll be about £200 a month. I don’t have a right to work. My husband gets over £1,000 for Universal Credit — I think it’s £1,300 — and he gets more as well.”
One of her fellow gang members is also said to be enjoying a relaxed lifestyle after being released from prison, with neighbours describing how she spends all her time smoking and walking around in a dressing gown.
