Why it matters: The fraud affected vulnerable adults who rely on social care services, with the judge emphasising that these were the real victims alongside the local authority.
The details: Beatrice Eduah pleaded guilty to one charge of fraud by abuse of position at Cambridge Crown Court on 19 May 2025, covering the period from June to November 2023.
She dishonestly worked full-time for Suffolk County Council and two other local authorities simultaneously, while representing that she had capacity to work for the county council on a full-time basis.
The fraud was discovered when a recruitment agency contacted Suffolk County Council in November 2023 to report that Eduah had full-time placements with both Suffolk and another local authority, submitting identical timesheets to both for the same hours.
The council's Counter Fraud Service investigation revealed that for three weeks, Eduah worked full-time for three authorities simultaneously. She had omitted her existing full-time employment from her CV when applying to Suffolk County Council.
The total fraud loss to Suffolk County Council was £17,668.53, comprising salary payments and agency fees.
What they're saying: To facilitate the fraud, Eduah dishonestly requested unpaid time off from Suffolk on five occasions, claiming she needed to be abroad due to a family member's death when she was actually working for another local authority in the UK.
The judge warned that courts were becoming experienced with defendants supplying false AI-generated documentation and said independent checks would verify any documents submitted.
Councillor Beccy Hopfensperger, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for adult care, said: "Social workers are key to the successful delivery of adult social care services across our county, we trust them with the care and support of our loved ones, including some of the most vulnerable in our society. When that trust is broken, when they behave dishonestly and counter to the ethical standards we rightly expect and demand, it is right they are properly punished by the courts."
What's next: The judge deferred sentence until 13 February 2026, during which time Eduah must acquire paid work and set aside her salary in a separate bank account to repay Suffolk County Council. If she cannot obtain work, she must provide documentary proof of every job application and corresponding rejection letters.
The bottom line: This case highlights the importance of maintaining ethical standards in social care and demonstrates Suffolk County Council's commitment to protecting public funds while ensuring vulnerable adults receive proper care.
