Legal News

Croydon Crown Court has convicted a former restaurateur of benefit fraud relating to fraudulently obtained Housing Benefit worth £14,985 and £2,043 in fraudulently obtained Council Tax Benefit.

Mohammed Mantu Miah, 52, of Rayfield Close in Bromley, Kent – former owner of Mintoos Restaurant in Baston Road in Hayes – was found guilty of benefit fraud relating to the period from December 2011 to July 2013.

Miah had claimed Housing and Council Tax Benefit in December 2011, when he rented a property in Addison Road in Bromley.

He claimed he was working as a waiter at Mintoos, earning £121.60 a week – but failed to declare he was actually the proprietor of the business and owner of the property.

The claim ran to 1 July 2013, when post was returned from Addison Road as “gone away”.

Following receipt of anonymous information which suggested Miah was trying to re-open the restaurant following repossession by the mortgage company, it was found that he had owned the freehold of 6 Baston Road since 18 March 1996 – and that the equity in the property, despite the mortgage arrears, exceeded the capital limit of £16,000 for claiming benefits.

Following an initial appearance at Bromley Magistrates’ Court, Miah elected trial by jury, which eventually was listed to be heard at Croydon Crown Court.

However, on the morning of the trial, Miah changed his plea to guilty and the case was adjourned for sentencing, following a probation report.

Further charges relating to a claim totalling £8,060.78 made by Miah when he and his family were in temporary accommodation were not pursued – but were ordered to be left on file and will be recovered from Miah directly by the Benefit Section.

At Croydon Crown Court, Miah was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years – and was ordered to complete 50 hours of unpaid work.

In addition, Miah will have to repay the £17,028 owed to Bromley Council within six months as a result of a Compensation Order, from the proceeds of the enforced sale of Baston Road by the mortgage company.

Miah was also ordered to pay £6,000 towards the Local Authority’s legal costs, as well as a Victim Surcharge.

A council spokesperson said:

“This successful prosecution demonstrates our continued determination to prosecute any cheat who claims a benefit or allowance they are not entitled to.

“Stealing public money that is meant for those in genuine need is not tolerated.”

Duncan Lewis Benefit Fraud Solicitors

Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge for benefit fraud, including charges relating to:

• Bedroom Tax fraud
• Child Tax Credits fraud
• Council Tax Support fraud
• Disability Allowance fraud
• Housing Benefit fraud
• Income Support fraud
• Jobseeker’s Allowance fraud
• Pension Credits fraud
• PIP fraud
• Working Tax Credits fraud
• Universal Credit fraud.

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

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