Fraudster illegally sublet Plumstead council flat for 10 years

Pfavai McNab, a hair and beauty salon owner from Southampton, received a two-year suspended prison sentence at Woolwich Crown Court after she was convicted of two charges under the Fraud Act in relation to the three-bedroom flat in Plumstead.

Known as Pfavai Chidavaenzi when she obtained the property in Barnfield Gardens in 1996, she subsequently married and moved to Southampton.

In 2017, under her former name, she submitted an application under the Right to Buy scheme to purchase the property from Greenwich Council, declaring it as her only and principal home, for which she would have received a £103,900 discount off the purchase price.

Council checks revealed she had married in April 2000, was living under her married name of McNab and had purchased a home in Southampton.

Further checks revealed she had left her daughter occupying the flat since at least 2007 and had also set up her own hair and beauty salon on the south coast.

As well as the suspended prison sentence, McNab must also undertake 100 hours of unpaid work.

She was also ordered to pay the council £35,000 within two years relating to the financial loss suffered by the council for having to provide emergency accommodation due to flat not being available for others in genuine need.

She must further pay the council's legal costs of £6,920 within six months. If she fails to do so, she will go to prison for one year.

Councillor Christine Grice, cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “Mrs McNab was caught out by her own greed when she applied to buy the council property, and her many years of not residing at the three-bedroom flat were identified.

"She has evaded prison. However, I hope that the £42,000 she now has to pay Greenwich will be a good reminder of her despicable actions.”

If you suspect someone of committing fraud against the Royal Borough please call 0800 169 6975 or email fraud@royalgreenwich.gov.uk. Any information you give will be treated in confidence.