Royal Borough of Greenwich Prosecute Two For Attempted Fraud

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.