Failed asylum seeker convicted of benefit fraud

A failed asylum seeker, living in Nottingham, has been convicted of fraudulently receiving more than £14,000 in benefits.

Mohammed Hossein Gholamy, aged 27, was sentenced to 60 days imprisonment, suspended for 1 year, and ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid community work.

After being refused asylum, Gholamy made further representations about his claim in June 2009. He was banned from working while his additional evidence was considered.

In the meantime, because he claimed to have no income, he was provided with basic accommodation and support totalling £14,212 between August 2009 and June 2011.

But the benefit scam came to light in June 2011 when Border Agency officers in Nottingham arrested Gholamy for being drunk and disorderly. Documents found in his possession - vehicle registration, bank statements and a taxi licensing application - indicated that he had another income.

Fraud investigators found that £8,585 had been paid into his bank account between August 2009 and June 2011. Investigators were satisfied that Gholamy had also received asylum support to which he was not entitled because he had another income and charged him with fraud.

Despite pleading not guilty to fraud, magistrates found him guilty.

Carol Mills, asylum fraud investigator, UK Border Agency said:

As this case shows, we will not hesitate to prosecute foreign nationals that break our laws stealing thousands of pounds from the public purse.

We will track down, prosecute and seek to remove those who, like this man, abuse their right to be here.

The Border Agency say they will now seek to remove Gholamy from the country if the further representations about his asylum claim are rejected.

• And so the legal game goes on and on at taxpayers' expense.