Prisoners quizzed over benefit fraud conspiracy

It is believed the fraud involved the suspects altering benefit cheques and cashing them in for a higher value than the original amount.

Of the group, 18 were arrested for conspiracy to commit fraud, and 17 others were voluntarily interviewed, following a lengthy joint investigation by Humberside Police and the fraud investigation department of Jobcentre Plus.

Three people serving prison sentences were also questioned.

Humberside Police said: “Officers from the Park Neighbourhood Policing Team played a big role in arresting fraudsters in East Hull, working with other strands of the police force and staff from the fraud investigation department of Jobcentre Plus to trace potential suspects.”

A Department of Work and Pensions spokeswoman said: “We’ve been working closely with Humberside Police on this joint operation and our investigations continue.” Suspects will answer bail in September.