A single mum of two - who didn't live in her council flat and fraudulently claimed benefits - was convicted and her home repossessed on Monday (21 June)
Ms Sindi Duma, was tried in her absence, sentenced to nine months custody and ordered to pay legal costs of over £6,000.
The Kilburn resident who is believed to have fled the country, first approached the council in 2001 claiming to be homeless and unemployed. Brent found her a flat in Albert Road where she began to claim benefits. But - following a tip off - council investigators discovered Ms Duma was living on the other side of London and fraudulently claiming Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
Further investigations found evidence that Ms Duma had been living in the Thamesmead area since at least 2004. And her children attended schools in Greenwich between 2004 to 2007.
Following criminal proceedings at Harrow Crown Court, a civil case was heard against Ms Duma at Willesden County Court on 21 June for rent arrears of £1950.95. Baliffs were instructed to repossess the property.
Cllr Muhammed Butt, Lead Member for Resources, said: "We are desperately short of council housing in Brent and we need to make sure it goes to those who really need it.
"Not only was this person claiming benefits she was not entitled to she was stopping a vulnerable person from being housed. I applaud the court's decision to repossess the property and urge anyone who knows of fraudulent activity to get in touch with our investigation team."
In total Ms Duma has received £25,647.07 of Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit that she was not entitled to between January 2004 to December 2008.
The fraud was brought to the attention of investigators as a result of anonymous information from a member of the public. If you know anyone claiming benefits they are not entitled to, call free phone 0800 937 777.
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