Grenfell Fraud hits 3/4's of a million pounds

GRENFELL tower fraudsters have falsely claimed a total of £775,000, new figures reveal, with police only recovering £24,000.

 

The conviction of sixteen individuals has taken place as a result of their falsely claiming to be individuals affected by the fire that led to the deaths of 72 people in June 2017.

 

The numbers came to light at a Council meeting (Kensington and Chelsea) when Judith Blakeman, a Notting Dale Labour member, questioned the deputy council leader, Kim Taylor-Smith.

 

Ms Blakeman commented that warnings were being received from the families of victims who warned the council that fraudsters were trying to profit from their suffering. "In at least two cases, bereaved family members advised the council that people were claiming money fraudulently," she said.

 

Furthermore Mr Taylor-Smith confirmed that there had been 16 prosecutions of fraudsters who received jail terms ranging from one to six years. Comment was made that the recovered funds were being funnelled back into the fund. Among those convicted of fraud was the council's former finance manager, Jenny McDonagh.

 

This individual, aged 39, joined the council under the pretence of helping survivors and went on to defraud the council to the tune of £62,000.

 

Additionally, Daniel Steventon, 37, from Kilburn, was jailed for three years and six months. His claim suggested he was living with a survivor of the fire, and claimed £75,225 in housing, services and financial support.

 

As of January 2019 a fighting fund of £28,981,945 has been raised for the victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster, according to the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

 

Police are still investigating allegations of fraud and it has been suggested that the level of fraud is higher than currently understood.

 

Broadgate Legal

London Solicitors