Fraudster dentist conned the NHS out of almost £100,000 - then fled the UK

Fraudster dentist conned the NHS out of almost £100,000 - then fled the UK Fariba Shameli's fraud included hundereds of claims for work either not done or carried out by others, and now police vowed to return her to the UK after she fled to Sweden A dodgy dentist has been told she will be jailed after defrauding the NHS out of more than £92,000. Fariba Shameli, who fled to Sweden after being charged, did not attend court for her sentencing after fraudulently claiming for work that she never carried out. She conned the NHS's Business Services Authority whilst contracted to practice dentistry at Findon Dental Care in Worthing, Sussex. These include claims for work not carried out, for work carried out privately and for work actually carried out by a dentist in training between 2013 and 2018, the Crown Prosecution Service said. The woman, also guilty of amending the dates of claims to improve a shortfall in her targets, had pleaded not guilty to all charges. Shameli had claimed for 158 treatments not carried out, and 532 claims were lodged for work done by others. The NHS opened an investigation into her actions when the 55-year-old issued a prescription without any patient details or practice stamp. She had previously been found guilty of four counts of fraud by abuse of position. She was found guilty of one count following a trial at Hove Crown Court in September 2025 and was found guilty of a further three following a trial at Hove Crown Court in July 2026. She was also absent for both trials and both verdicts. Shameli, who fled after making two court appearances, was sentenced to three years in prison in her absence at Lewes Crown Court. The CPS announced it will "now pursue confiscation and extradition". Evidence included a detailed analysis of Shameli's patient records, records from private dental laboratories and witness statements from 13 patients and a trainee dentist. NHS Counter Fraud Authority confirmed investigators will now use their powers through the Proceeds of Crime Act to reclaim some of the stolen funds. In total, Shameli defrauded the NHS out of £92,511.74. In sentencing, His Honour Judge Swirsky said: “She had fraudulently put her own personal interest ahead of the public interest." Ben Harrison, Head of Operations and Engagement at the NHS Counter Fraud Authority, said: “Fariba Shameli’s actions represent a clear abuse of trust placed in her as an NHS professional and undermine confidence in the health service. “By deliberately submitting false claims, she received substantial funds that should have been used to support patients who rely on NHS services. “The NHSCFA continues to take a robust and proactive approach to tackling fraud, safeguarding public funds and upholding the integrity of NHS services.” Ben Reid, a specialist prosecutor from the CPS, said: "Fariba Shameli systematically defrauded the NHS over a sustained period. "For every pound of this fraud, a pound was taken from our NHS which could have gone towards patient care. “As an NHS dentist, Shameli was entrusted to safeguard the financial interests of this taxpayer funded service and behave in an honest way. Sadly, her behaviour fell far short of this standard and prosecutors were able to paint a compelling picture of evidence showing that this was a deliberate and calculated fraud, carried out for personal gain. “The CPS will not hesitate to work closely with investigators such as the NHS Counter Fraud Authority to bring those who commit fraud to justice.”