Saudi Embassy worker jailed for benefit fraud

A fraudster who worked for the Saudi Arabian embassy has been jailed for 15 months for falsely claiming almost £30,000 in housing benefits.

Mohamed Ali Gubara, 38, pleaded guilty to eight offences of dishonesty following an Ealing Council investigation. He was sentenced to prison at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, February 15.

Gubara had been claiming housing benefit for his home in The Vale, Acton, from January 2003 to August 2006 but failed to ever mention his other homes in Brentford and South London. The total value of the two properties is more than £500,000.

He also failed to declare that he worked for the Saudi Military Attaché’s Office for almost the entire time he was claiming benefits.

The total cost of the fraud amounted to £29,686.48. The council, with the help of the Police, is seeking to claim back the money owed through the sale of Gubara’s properties.

Councillor David Scott, Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, said: “I am pleased to see that the courts have taken a tough line and given a suitable punishment. We will come down on these crooks as hard as possible, and make sure they end up in front of a judge.

“These fraudsters are preventing this money being invested in other council services, and are depriving decent, hard-working residents. Benefit cheats need to be caught and you can help by reporting them.”

If you think someone is committing benefit fraud it is important you report it. Call Ealing Council’s free and confidential fraud hotline on 0800 328 6453 or email fraudreferrals@ealing.gov.uk