Legal News

Barnet Council has prosecuted a businessman who fraudulently claimed thousands of pounds in housing benefit and council tax benefit.

Mohsen Sabet, 51, of Laurel Way in Whetstone, north London, was jailed for nine months in March 2015, after pleading guilty to claiming more than £35,000 in housing and council tax benefit.

Sabet illegally claimed benefits, despite at the time owning a £2 million property empire and two shops – at one point, he had more than £800,000 deposited in bank accounts.

Sabet changed his name from Mohsen Aboudarda by deed poll in 2004.

Between 2004 and 2011, the 51-year-old claimed more than £35,000 in benefits – just over £6,500 of which was illegally claimed from Barnet Council in his previous name of Aboudarda.

Sabet also failed to declare that he owned and was running two luggage shops, as well as owning several homes in his new name. In total, he owned four properties, three of which he owned outright.

Investigators also established Sabet had 17 undeclared bank accounts, which at one point contained in excess of £800,000. In an interview with benefit fraud investigators, he also admitted having assets in Iran worth more than £1m.

When Sabet was jailed, the court heard how between 2004 and 2011, he had claimed benefits from Barnet, other London boroughs and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in his previous name.

Confiscation proceedings at Wood Green Crown Court on 22 December 2015 were subsequently brought by the council’s Corporate Anti-Fraud Team and have led to the court ordering Sabet to repay almost £72,000 – as well as a compensation order for more than £18,000 to cover the outstanding balance of his overpayment.

Local authorities carrying out Proceeds of Crime Investigations receive 37.5%t of any proceeds confiscated, with 12.5% given to the courts for administration costs – and 50% going directly to the Treasury.

Sabet now has three months to pay the confiscation and compensation payments from the date of the order being made.

After the hearing, Barnet Council’s leader, Richard Cornelius, said:

“This sends out the very clear message that, even after being dealt with by the courts, investigators are able to carry out a proceeds of crime investigation.

“I hope this case also reminds anyone contemplating cheating the system that they will be caught – and ultimately will be brought before the courts.”

Duncan Lewis Benefit Fraud Solicitors

Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving benefit fraud and before charges are brought, including offerinr legal advice on benefit fraud allegations relating to:

• Child Tax Credits
• Council Tax Support
• DLA
• JSA
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Pension Credits
• PIP
• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credits.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a benefit fraud solicitor can attend interviews with DWP and council fraud investigators.

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid criminal defence lawyers.

For expert legal advice on benefit fraud offences, call Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors on 0333 772 0409.