A dentist has been sentenced to three years in prison for submitting more than 1,000 fraudulent claims to the National Health Service (NHS), resulting in the receipt of over £92,000 in improper payments. Dr. Fariba Shameli, 55, was convicted at Lewes Crown Court for making 1,037 false claims for dental work that was never performed.

Shameli, originally from Sweden, relocated to the United Kingdom after qualifying as a dentist in Gothenburg. She operated a dental practice in Worthing, West Sussex. Her fraudulent activities were uncovered by authorities, leading to the suspension of her registration by the General Dental Council.

Despite being found guilty, Shameli did not attend either of her trials. She has offered to repay the money but has not returned any of the funds to date. Following the sentencing, she left the UK and returned to Sweden, and reports suggest she is unlikely to serve the prison term as a result.

The NHS is pursuing recovery of the £92,511 through legal avenues under the Proceeds of Crime Act, according to statements made during the court proceedings. The case highlights ongoing concerns about fraudulent claims within healthcare services and the financial impact of such actions on public resources.