More than 45,000 suspected cases of benefit fraud have been investigated in a massive clampdown which has led to the conviction of more than 870 offenders.

Members of the Social Development Ministry's 100 strong fraud team have visited more than 17,000 bebeficiares over the past year, figures released show.The investigation in the 2005/2006 financial year led to 929 prosecutions and 872 convictions.Fourty cases were latter withdrawn and 17 dismissed.Former beneficiary Wayne Patterson admitted in November to stealing $3,2 million in benefits, Patterson used birth certicates, passports and driver's licences to fabricate more than 120 identities and receive $54,000 a week in benefit.More than 129  fraudsters were jaided in 2005/2006, 662 were sentenced to community work and 46 find.