A fraudster,who claimed he was living in overcrowded accommodation in Woolwich when he owned multiple homes while living in Scunthorpe, cost the council almost £30,000.

Kandappillai Jenopan, 40, was given a council house in May 2009 by Greenwich council in Dabin Crescent.

The council didn’t realise there was any issue at the time, until years later while investigating a separate tenancy issue involving a family member.

It was then that the council noticed that Jenopan had immediately moved out of the council house and went to live in Doncaster.

The council’s internal audit and anti-fraud team confirmed with North Lincolnshire council that Mr Jenopan owned four properties in Scunthorpe.

The council also confirmed that he had been living in the Scunthorpe area when he made his claim that he was living in overcrowded accommodation in Woolwich.

Jenopan originally denied the allegations but later pleaded guilty to two offences of fraud at Bexley Magistrates Court on November 14.

His fraudulent actions caused a financial loss to the Royal Borough of £29,106.31 as a result of him depriving the council of the use of the property at Dabin Crescent and for providing emergency accommodation to others in genuine need.

He was given a suspended 20 month prison sentence, 120 hours of community service, and ordered to pay the full financial loss Greenwich council suffered, plus prosecution costs of £1026.12 within two years.

Councillor Maureen O’Mara, cabinet member for customer services, said: “Royal Borough investigators now have far greater powers to investigate tenancy fraud and to get properties back for those in genuine need of accommodation.

“This case shows that if you think that handing back the property will spare you from prosecution, then you should think again.

“Tenancy fraud is a serious matter; we will prosecute you and pursue you for our financial losses. Mr Jenopan now has a criminal record for fraud and has to repay over £30,000 to the Royal Borough.”