Housing fraudster ordered to pay council £165,000

A fraudster has been found guilty of illegally subletting a Dudley Council property.

Audric Kanyinda falsified documentation to get a council house in Osprey Drive, Russells Hall, Dudley, which he rented out for more than four years until the fraud came to light.

The 32-year-old owned six properties at the time of the application and was raking in around £7,000 per month in rental income, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

Kanyinda, of Erith in south-east London, pleaded guilty to obtaining a social housing tenancy by fraud, unlawful subletting of a secure tenancy and of making a fraudulent application to purchase the property via a Right to Buy.

The court heard that Kanyinda’s fraudulent endeavours cost Dudley Council around £165,500.

He was sentenced to 24 months in prison, suspended for two years, and also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work. Kanyinda must also repay £165,500 to the council or face jail.

Councillor Ian Bevan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: “This is a shocking case of duplicitous behaviour that left hard working taxpayers out of pocket, and I am glad to see justice being served in court.

“We remain committed to recovering the public funds lost, and our focus remains on helping families and individuals who need our support the most.

“Dudley Council has a zero-tolerance approach towards fraud and I hope the outcome of this case this will act as a reminder to any would be fraudsters to think twice as we will not hesitate to act.”

If you suspect anyone of committing fraud – of any kind – it can be reported for investigation by emailing hotline@dudley.gov.uk or by calling the dedicated hotline on 01384 814 242.