Legal News
Arrests made in suspected £18m housing fraud at Brighton and Hove City Council (7 August 2014)
Date: 07/08/2014
Police have arrested and bailed four men on suspicion of being involved in an £18 million housing fraud.
Local publisher Brighton and Hove News reports that the police are investigating allegations of fraud at Brighton and Hove City Council Housing Department.
Sussex Police Economic Crime Unit launched the investigation in November 2013, after an in-house investigation by the Brighton and Hove City Council’s own internal audit team.
The allegations involve the “improper” awarding of council contracts valued at £18m over 10 years – the contracts were all awarded to a property management company which provides temporary accommodation to homeless people.
The police investigation is ongoing and the home of one council worker has been searched by police. It is reported he will be arrested when he returns from annual leave.
Documents and computers were seized at other properties where the arrests were made. Two other properties were searched but no arrests were made. The men arrested are on bail until October.
Detective Sergeant Sally Smith said:
“We have already spoken to a number of witnesses – many of whom either work for or have worked for the council – and we would still like to speak to anyone else who believes they have information that might assist the inquiry.”
Duncan Lewis Fraud Lawyers
Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers can advise at any stage of a criminal charge relating to fraud, and are available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers can advise on:
• Benefit fraud
• Blue Badge fraud
• Bogus marriages
• Boiler room scams
• Company fraud
• Conveyancing fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Financial fraud
• Housing fraud
• Identity fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Motor insurance fraud
• Mortgage fraud
• Passport fraud
• Ponzi schemes
• Ticketing fraud
• Visa fraud.
For expert legal advice and representation for fraud charges, call Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers on 020 7923 4020.
For urgent legal advice on charges relating to fraud, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036, where a criminal defence lawyer is available 24/7.