Brentwood: Woman charged with 24 fraud offences

An investigation by our Economic Crime Unit has resulted in a woman being charged with 24 offences.

An investigation was launched following reports of a woman attending various Vodaphone stores between April and December 2023 and producing false identifications to obtain contracts and iPhones. 

An arrest was made on 6 December 2023, following a report from Vodaphone in Brentwood of suspicious activity.

On Monday, 4 March charges were authorised as part of this investigation. Akanise Saukawa, 42 of Wickham Lane, London has been charged with 11 counts of fraud by false representation, 11 counts of possession of articles for use in fraud and two counts of possession of a false passport and a bank card.

She has been remanded into custody and will appear at Bromley Magistrates Court today (5 March).

Detective Sergeant Rachel Barrett said “These charges form part of a large investigation, where it’s estimated that Vodaphone lost out on around £10,000.

“Our Economic Investigation Team continue to work closely with businesses and Action Fraud to investigate those attempting to financially gain from criminality.”