Woolwich, London: Posted by Benson Agoha
The Royal Borough of Greenwich has recently, successfully
prosecuted two residents at Bexley Magistrates Court for attempted fraud, according
to an official statement released today.
Michael Diop, of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said the two men were caught following investigations by Royal Borough
Officers, and after the Court hearing on September 8, 2014, were fined for their offence.
In one case he said, Isaac Adu, 46, provided false information when making an
application to become a council tenant, but was caught when, after 139 failed
bids, he supplied details in January this year, which conflicted with his
original application.
The Royal Borough’s internal audit and anti-fraud team
investigated and found he had owned the house where he was living since 2006
and had lied when he claimed in his 2011 application that he rented a house in
Tideslea Path, Thamesmead, for which he was added on the housing list.
When interviewed by Royal Borough officers, Diop said the accused admitted the false
initial claim, saying he did that because he wanted to be free from mortgage payments on his
flat.
Adu appeared at Bexley Magistrates Court, charged with making a
false declaration, contrary to the Fraud Act 2006. On September 8, he pleaded
guilty and was fined £260, as well as ordered to pay costs of £577.56 to the Royal Borough.
In a separate case, Diop said Oladipo Famojuro, 49, of Ferndown Road,
Eltham, submitted two estimates to repair damage caused by a leak on
council-owned property, in November 2013. One of the estimates was for £950 and
purportedly from a local builder.
Royal Borough officials noticed the telephone number was different
from the number on the company’s (local builder’s) website and carried out
further investigations which revealed the quote should have read £370, but had been
doctored.
Famojuro could not explain why the two were different, but
eventually admitted amending the estimate. On September 8, he was fined £1,000
and ordered to pay £589 in costs by Bexley Magistrates Court.
Cllr Chris Kirby, Cabinet Member for Housing, the Royal Borough of
Greenwich said: “Both cases show the Royal Borough will take a very dim view
when people try to defraud us by making false claims.”
He said “One set out to deprive the Royal Borough of its valuable
housing stock, when he already lived in his privately owned property. His
actions were deplorable and would affect all those who are in genuine need of
accommodation. We will protect our housing stock vigorously and will bring
offenders to justice.”
Of the second case, Cllr Kirby said it “…is another success story
for the Royal Borough in combating a range of frauds and bringing offenders to
justice,” adding “This case should send out a clear message to any potential
fraudster that all insurance claims are scrutinised and anyone submitting a
false declaration may be prosecuted.”
“The Royal Borough will not tolerate fraudulent attacks on the
public purse,” he said.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich advises local residents who suspect
someone of a housing fraud or illegal subletting to either call telephone number 0800 169 6975 or
email: Unauthorised-Occupation@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
To report other types of fraud, send email to fraud@royalgreenwich.gov.uk. Information you
give will be treated in confidence.
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