A fraudster who kept £16,000 in savings secret while claiming benefits was handed a suspended sentence.

Abdullahad Popal, of Strand Drive, Kew, swindled taxpayers out of £15,000 by fraudulently claiming housing and council tax benefit when he had undeclared savings.

He purchased properties in West Molesey and in Afghanistan from which he received a steady rental income.

Popal pleaded guilty to 12 counts of fraudulently claiming housing and council tax benefits.

He was handed a four month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, ordered to carry out 140 hours community service and to pay £80 in court costs when he appeared at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, October 21.

Popal repaid the overpayments in full to Richmond Council.

The council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, Councillor Geoffrey Samuel, said: “I am delighted that we have secured yet another benefit fraud prosecution.

“Benefit cheats take money away from the borough’s most vulnerable residents and their behaviour simply will not be tolerated in any way, shape, or form in Richmond.

“I hope that this prosecution, and the resources we have at our disposal sends a clear message to benefit cheats.

“We will find you, we will stop you, and we will leave no stone unturned when it comes to revealing your crimes and securing a successful prosecution.”