Two Stevenage fraudsters have been ordered to pay �140,000 for their role in a credit card and loan scam.

The Stevenage criminals, Victor Abe, 30 and Comfort Ajayi, 55, both of Sefton Road were ordered to pay a total of �139,481 at Cambridge Crown Court last week.

Abe was earlier found guilty of fraud by false representation and converting criminal property. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Ajayi was found guilty of converting criminal property. She was given a 280 hour community order.

Abe was ordered to pay �29,835, and Ajayi �74,635 - the sums available from their assets. If they come into possession of further assets or money they will be required to pay the rest of the order.

Of the total amount paid, �63,000 will be repaid to banks in compensation. A percentage of the remaining money will be given to Herts Constabulary to fight crime. Detective Sergeant Joe Quinlivan of the economic crime unit said: “The Proceeds of Crime Act gives us the power to disrupt those criminals who think they can benefit from crime and we run regular operations to target them. With these powers, we can seize the profits of their illegal activities and remove these negative influences on our communities.”