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Illegal immigrant pleads guilty to fraud


26/ 3/2008

A ROCHDALE man was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to fraud.

Irshad Wani, aged 30 of Morley Street appeared at Bury Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to three charges of using a false identity in order to gain benefits totalling £2,500.

Upon his arrest on 22 February, it was discovered that Wani was an illegal immigrant from Kashmir, and had falsely assumed the identity of Shahid Ahmed, including a forged passport.

He then used this name to fraudulently claim benefits. Sentencing him, the Judge also reminded Wani that a deportation order would be carried out on completion of his sentence.

Wani's first appearance in court was the day after his arrest, where he pleaded guilty to all charges of False Representation.

The offences were jointly investigated by a member of Rochdale Council’s fraud team and the organised fraud section of the Department of Work and Pensions. Wani had used his false identity to claim Council Tax Benefit and Jobseekers Allowance. Upon his arrest Wani gave a full admission of his dishonesty and illegal status in this country.

A spokesman for Rochdale Council said: "It will always be our policy to prosecute any claimant who is blatantly committing fraud, such as that commissioned by Wani. Our campaign of 'No Ifs, No Buts' will continue to safeguard taxpayers in the borough."


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Most recent 1 of 1 user comments

   Rochdale Council have a dedicated and professional Counter Fraud Team. We are committed to protecting public money from being stolen by benefit thieves. If you have any information on fraudulent activities please call 01706 926100 or email Fraud.ct@rochdale.gov.uk Benefit Fraud affects all of us, taking money from our public services and in some cases funding other serious criminal activities - don't let them get away with it!
Rochdale MBC Fraud, Rochdale
27/03/2008 at 08:40
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