A fraudster has been found guilty of falsely claiming more than £30,000 of housing benefit and council tax benefit.

Najibulah Ghafari, from Butts Crescent in Hanworth, was investigated by Richmond’s internal audit and investigation team and was found to have been overpaid £29,557.99 in housing benefit and £1,536.23 council tax benefit, which he claimed despite having more than £16,000 undeclared savings.

Ghafari was found guilty on five charges and was sentenced on May 14 at Kingston Crown Court to nine months imprisonment suspended for two years, as well as 150 hours unpaid work.

Richmond Council received £250 costs and is recovering the overpayments.

Richmond’s deputy leader Councillor Geoffrey Samuel said: "Fraudsters watch out. Any attempts to defraud the residents of Richmond and you will be caught and prosecuted.

"Richmond Council is determined to stamp out fraud and protect the interests of our residents."

If you know anyone committing benefit fraud call 0800 854440.