Courts / Dublin / Report

Benefits fraudster caught by facial imaging technology

Summary

A 62‑year‑old man named Owen McKeever was found guilty of fraudulently claiming more than €40,000 of jobseekers allowance in the name of his brother Brendan between 2009 and 2013. The fraud was uncovered through facial imaging technology introduced by the Department of Social and Family Affairs in 2013, which matched a genuine photograph of McKeever with one purporting to be his brother. McKeever had also been making a legitimate claim in his own name at the time. He pleaded guilty to 50 counts of social welfare fraud, with a total loss to the exchequer of €41,871. McKeever admitted the fraud immediately after being interviewed by Garda Ian Abbey and said, "I put my hands up." He has begun repaying €50 per week and the court has adjourned sentencing to 28 January to allow further repayment.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Benefits fraudster caught by facial imaging technology. Charges or matters: fraudulently claiming jobseekers allowance in the name of Brendan McKeever on dates between 2009 and 2013. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• January 28th Adjournment
• 2009 and 2013 Other
• 2017-10-18 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Fraud Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report