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Illegal immigrant who falsely claimed over €43k in social welfare avoids jail
Summary
Ariunaa Purevjal, a 54‑year‑old former illegal immigrant from Mongolia who later became a naturalised Irish citizen, pleaded guilty to five counts of dishonestly claiming social welfare payments between October 2007 and June 2014. She also pleaded guilty to two counts of making a false instrument (a child benefit claim form and a bank form) and one count of possessing a false instrument – a bank card in a false name. The claims included child benefit, domiciliary care allowance, respite care grant, maternity benefit and other payments, totalling €43,132. Purevjal had used a false identity and did not disclose her status to authorities. She repaid the €4,500 maternity benefit she was not entitled to, and the Department of Social Protection is not seeking repayment of the remaining amounts. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced her to two years, suspended in its entirety, and noted that she had no prior convictions and would not re‑offend.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Illegal immigrant who falsely claimed over €43k in social welfare avoids jail. Charges or matters: five counts of dishonestly claiming various social welfare payments between October 2007 and June 2014; two counts of making a false instrument (a child benefit claim form and a bank form) and one count of possessing a false instrument – a bank card in a false name. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 2007 Incident
- June 2014 Incident
- 2018-02-27 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: five counts of dishonestly claiming various social welfare payments between October 2007 and June 2014; two counts of making a false instrument (a child benefit claim form and a bank form) and one count of possessing a false instrument – a bank card in a false name (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Handing down sentence, Judge Martin Nolan said it would be unjust to jail Purevjal, given the circumstances. "If she had used her own name, she probably would have obtained these monies," he said. Handing down the suspended sentence, Judge Nolan said he had no doubt Purevjal would not re-offend.
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