Courts / Dublin / Report
Algerian who used false passport to claim benefits caught by facial recognition software
Summary
An Algerian national, Amine Laib, aged 25, used a false French passport under the name Riadh Karim Laheen to obtain a PPS number and claimed over €17,000 in Jobseeker's Allowance from 2012 to 2014. The fraud was uncovered when Laib applied for a PPS number as an asylum seeker under his real name in 2014, and facial‑recognition software matched his photographs to those on file for the assumed identity. He pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 11 counts of theft of €124 from the Department of Social Protection and to making a false French passport. Laib admitted using both names because, as an Algerian citizen, he had no employment rights in Ireland and wanted to work. Garda Keith Morrissey reported that a social welfare inspector had alerted authorities to the fraud, leading to the seizure of documents from Laib's home.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Algerian who used false passport to claim benefits caught by facial recognition software. Charges or matters: 11 sample counts of stealing €124 from the Department of Social Protection at Harrington House, Harrington Street, Dublin and at his existing address between June 1, 2012 and November 11, 2014; making a false French passport on a date unknown within the State. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 1, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 11, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2012 and 2014 Other
- 2015-11-26 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: 11 sample counts of stealing €124 from the Department of Social Protection at Harrington House, Harrington Street, Dublin and at his existing address between June 1, 2012 and November 11, 2014; making a false French passport on a date unknown within the State (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He will be sentenced tomorrow.; He described Laib as "an intelligent, ambitious and very hardworking young man" and remanded him in custody ahead of sentencing tomorrow,
Places mentioned
- Mount Tallant Avenue
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Harrington House
- Harrington Street
Topics
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