Two women, aged 69 and 17, have today been arrested in County Fermanagh on suspicion of ‘Fraud by False Representation’ and’ Possession of Articles for Use in Fraud’.

The investigation centres on individuals resident in the Republic of Ireland using what authorities believe to be false identities to obtain benefits in Northern Ireland over a period of around six years.

Detective Inspector Winters said: “Those who claim benefits to which they are not entitled are taking money away from our communities and from the public services we all rely on.

"While this operation is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further on the details, however today’s arrests and the seizure of a number of items, including a car, should serve as a warning to those committing such crimes that PSNI is committed to investigating this type of criminality and identifying those involved.”