Benefits fraud with £300,000 Swiss bank account remanded over fears she was about to flee to Russia

A middle-class benefit cheat, with more than £300,000 in a Swiss bank account when she was caught, has been remanded in custody amid fears that she might flee to Russia.

Caroline Foxley, who sent her children to some of the most exclusive private schools in the country while claiming housing benefit, had tried to transfer a large amount of cash to Moscow.

The 59-year-old, who was described as “greedy and thoroughly dishonest” was convicted last month of falsely claiming a range of benefits, despite having hundreds of thousands of pounds stashed in overseas accounts.

She was warned that she faced jail but was granted bail while awaiting sentencing.

However a judge has now remanded her in custody after hearing how she attempted to make a fresh benefits claim just days after her conviction.

The mother of two, whose children attended schools including Cheltenham Ladies’ College, also attempted to transfer £40,000 to an account in Moscow.

Prosecutor Martin Steen told Gloucester Crown Court: “It seems that shortly after conviction she telephoned the benefit office on October 24th seeking Jobseekers Allowance and housing benefit.

“She asserted she had very little funds. She said she had just £100 in one bank account. She made no mention at all of any other funds which may be available to her.

“On November 25th she went into Habibson's Bank (where she deposited more than £300,000) and was anxious to make a transfer from what I will call her disputed Zurich account.

“It would appear that she asked for some £40,000 to be transferred to her son's bank account in Moscow. She gave details of that account and of her son.”

Mr Steen said the bank had been contacted by the prosecution and had declined so far to make the money transfer.

The Crown was also concerned that she had not surrendered her passport, as ordered after her conviction, he said.

“She still has her passport and is seeking to transfer funds to Moscow, perhaps in preparation for flight,” he said.

“She is also seeking to move it outside the realm where she may be able to make recompense for the loss.”

Remanding her in custody Judge Jamie Tabor QC said “This lady has been obtaining benefits for a long time and has a Swiss bank account with a lot of money in it. It would appear it has still got a bit of money in it because she tried to move it earlier this week.

“In the absence of her abiding by her bail conditions and taking steps to move money we are concerned she will not attend for sentence.”

During her trial the jury heard how Foxley had received £306,000 following the sale of a property in the Cotswolds.

She deposited the money in a Swiss bank account, but then went on to claim income support and Jobseekers’ Allowance from the Dept of Work and Pensions and council tax and housing benefits from Cotswold District Council.

She claimed she did not regard the £306,000 as her own and felt it was in trust for her German ex-partner and her two children.