A Nigerian couple living in the United Kingdom has been jailed for one of the most serious insider data breaches in the history of Transport for London (TfL).
Luciana Akanbi, 38, and her husband, Femi Akanbi, 51, are both originally from Nigeria. They resided in Dartford, Kent, and were each jailed for three years and nine months by a judge at Woolwich Court.
How the Fraud Happened
According to Kent Live News, Luciana, a mother of three, had been working in the Human Resources department of TfL since 2017. The prosecutors said she abused her trusted position as a human resources officer to illegally access the sensitive personal records of 107 of her colleagues. 
The personal records included passport details, National Insurance numbers, and bank information—practically everything needed for identity theft.
Femi reportedly struggled with a gambling addiction that worsened after an illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Between September 2021 and January 2022, the couple selectively chose data of at least 40 employees. They used this data to submit 139 fraudulent tax rebate claims to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the UK tax authority.
The total value of the false claims was close to £650,000 (roughly ₦1.2 billion). In the end, they succeeded in defrauding the public purse of more than £433,000 (≈₦780 million). The stolen money was quickly moved through a complex money laundering scheme.
Over £50,000 (≈₦90 million) of it went into gambling accounts.
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The Judge’s Verdict
Judge David Miller described the crime as TfL’s “worst ever data breach.” He said the breach forced the transport authority to repair its systems, damaged staff enthusiasm, and affected performance.
The judge noted that the couple used 38 different computer devices, many from their own home, to carry out the fraud.
“You, Luciana Akanbi, had been colleagues with some of these people who were extremely badly let down,” the judge told her in court.
He highlighted the harm caused to innocent workers, which included damaged credit ratings. He also noted the stress from dealing with HMRC and the need to rearrange their finances.
The prosecutor described the operation as “sophisticated,” requiring significant planning and involving many victims. Evidence showed about £66,000 (≈₦120 million) traced to Femi’s account and £16,000 (≈₦29 million) to Luciana’s.
Luciana reportedly tried to shift blame to a relative in IT, but the judge ruled that both were central to the scheme, which only succeeded because of her insider access.
No compensation order was made because the couple had no recoverable assets. After serving their sentences, they may also face deportation proceedings.
A spokesperson for TfL welcomed the sentencing and said the organisation takes fraud extremely seriously. They confirmed they have now strengthened their internal data protection systems to prevent such breaches in the future.
The crime meant hundreds of thousands of pounds could not be reinvested in public services. HM Revenue and Customs also warned that it will continue to pursue anyone who tries to exploit the tax system.
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