A Tunisian national has been sentenced to 42 months in prison for a sophisticated fraud scheme that netted him approximately £160,000 in benefits and attempted to claim compensation from the Grenfell Tower fund. Adam Mejri, 46, pleaded guilty to two counts of welfare fraud and two counts of fraud by false representation.
Mejri assumed the identity of Munir Altaib, the legitimate tenant of a council flat on Hurstway Walk in west London. The property had been secured by the local authority in 2018 after squatters were found inside. Mejri approached the neighborhood management office claiming to be Mr. Altaib, who had been living in Tunisia for a year at that point. He subsequently illegally sublet the flat for £1,200 per month while claiming housing benefits totaling around £100,000 and employment benefits exceeding £50,000 in Mr. Altaib's name.
Due to the flat's proximity to Grenfell Tower, Mejri also attempted to claim £5,000 in compensation from the fund established for victims of the 2017 fire. However, concerns over his identity prevented the compensation from being paid. The real Mr. Altaib had reportedly informed the council as early as April 2018 that he had left the UK permanently and that someone was using his name and property for illicit activities.
During the investigation, Mejri repeatedly avoided appointments with authorities, citing physical and mental health issues. However, police surveillance of his Facebook account revealed that these absences often coincided with trips to Saudi Arabia. He was arrested on September 4, 2019, shortly after attending a Job Centre appointment where he submitted a self-certified health condition form claiming depression and schizophrenia.
Southwark Crown Court heard that the council discovered Mejri's involvement with the Hurstway Walk property days after his arrest, when it became apparent the flat was being sublet. Judge Neil Calver described Mejri's actions as "despicable" and an exploitation of the misfortune of others, particularly those affected by the Grenfell tragedy.
Mejri has a history of convictions, with his most recent being for shoplifting offenses in 2016. The joint investigation was conducted by the Department for Work and Pensions and Kensington and Chelsea council. Following the sentencing, Andrew Western, the government's Minister for Transformation, stated that the case demonstrated a "shocking and calculated fraud" and sends a clear message that those who defraud public support systems will be held accountable. Richard Powell, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, added that Mejri's actions diverted funds from those in genuine need and that he would face proceedings to repay his illegal gains.