A benefit cheat who lied about having any savings has found himself more than £11,000 out of pocket after he was prosecuted by Hounslow Council's fraud team.
Kajinder Grover, aged 38, of Harvey House, Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, was sentenced at Feltham MagistrateÕs Court on 21 October. He was ordered to complete 150 hours community service, pay costs of £1,261 and he has to repay £9,930.72 in benefits he falsely claimed.
Cllr Gerald McGregor, lead member for finance at the council, said:"The courts of England are sending out clear signals that claiming benefits you do not deserve and are not entitled to is a serious crime.
"At this time of economic necessity, there are many people out there who genuinely need help with benefit provision, and the money Mr Grover was lining his own pockets with effectively prevents this.
"Once again, the London Borough of HounslowÕs Fraud team and other associated institutions deserve huge thanks from law-abiding members of the public, many of whom, despite huge necessities, would not stoop so low as to rob the common purse. Our fraud investigation unit has shown true diligence and professionalism in providing the evidence that led to his conviction."
Grover had been declaring his earnings to the council, and because these were low he was entitled to still claim some housing benefit. However a member of staff noticed that he was producing payslips that had an incorrect National Insurance number on them.
The councilÕs fraud team made further enquiries and discovered that there were deposits of approximately £14,000 paid into his bank accounts, and Grover could not fully explain the source of this money.
The unexplained income affected his benefits and as a result of his actions he falsely claimed £7,955.43 in housing benefit and £1,975.29 in council tax benefit.
In court the District Judge commented that this was a fraud against everyone who pays taxes and that if Mr Grover wants the state to help him in the future he must declare any money.
To confidentially report benefit fraud, contact the council fraud team on 020 8583 2111 or fraud@hounslow.gov.uk.
