Council to claim back money from their benefits
Two benefits cheats have been hauled to court after Ealing Council investigations revealed that between them they had conned more than £20,000 in housing and council tax benefit.
Amir Al-Naffakh, 64, fraudulently claimed more than £16,000 in housing benefit for a property in Empire Road, Perivale, that was owned by his son-in-law. He failed to declare the relationship, contrary to regulations, and was found guilty of two matters of dishonesty at Acton Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 7 August. The case has been adjourned for pre-sentence reports until 27 August.
Al-Naffakh, who now lives in Repens Way, Hayes, claimed Iraqi culture did not recognise his son-in-law as a member of the family as he was not a blood relative. He said he regarded his landlord as his daughter’s husband and not his son-in-law.
Suvaken Rex, 39, of Carlyle Avenue, Southall, swindled £6,200 in benefits for failing to declare he was subletting the property. He pleaded guilty at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 6 August and was given a 12 month community order, 150 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay costs of £422.85.
The council is recovering the money fraudulently obtained by deductions from benefits. Al-Naffakh is paying back the money he scammed in monthly installments.
Councillor David Scott, Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance said: “Fraudsters are stealing honest tax payers’ money and we will not let them get away with it. We’ve heard all the excuses but if someone is trying to cheat the system we will catch up with them sooner or later and they will find themselves up in court and possibly facing jail. If you know a benefit cheat it’s important to report it and you can do it confidentially. Remember, they are basically stealing straight from your pocket.”
September 17, 2009
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