CRIME: Nigerians top UK's fraud league

West African criminals are responsible for almost half of all frauds carried out in the United Kingdom, claims a police report.

The National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) estimates that Nigerians and Ghanaians swindle pounds 3.5bn from individuals, businesses and the Government, out of annual frauds totalling pounds 8bn. West African frauds are a "significant concern" for police forces and governments around the world, an NCIS spokeswoman said. Among the swindles are: Offering non-existent cargo at a discount, with payment up-front (one man lost pounds 250,000); multiple claims for welfare benefits, using up to 25 false names and addresses; and passing off "damaged" banknotes which prove to be fakes.