Rape Suspect Landlord Fled UK to Cameroon Owing £200,000

A landlord suspected of rape has fled the United Kingdom for Cameroon while owing the taxpayer an estimated £200,000 and potentially continuing to claim benefits. Ndumbe Achile Ndumbe, 41, was reportedly allowed to leave the country while under investigation for rape, a situation described as a failure by the system.

Ndumbe is accused of defrauding the taxpayer of up to £180,000 through false claims for housing benefits, concurrently renting out six houses in multiple occupation (HMO) near Manchester. In addition to the benefit fraud, Wigan council prosecuted him in 2025 for operating two properties as HMOs without the required license, leading to a court-imposed fine of £26,000.

At the time of his departure, Ndumbe was on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of rape by Greater Manchester Police. He was released under investigation and, according to reports, was allowed to retain his passport. It is believed he departed from Manchester Airport for Cameroon in January of this year.

Further complicating the case, Ndumbe has allegedly continued to claim up to £200 per month in personal independence payment (PIP) for mental health issues and back pain. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has stated that PIP can be paid for up to 13 weeks after a claimant leaves the UK, but has not confirmed Ndumbe's current payment status.

A source close to the investigation indicated multiple systemic failures involving both the police and the DWP. "There was evidence he had made previous trips between the UK and Cameroon," the source told The Times. "He should never have been allowed to keep his passport and leave the country while on bail over a rape complaint."

Ndumbe was arrested in July 2024, at which point his electronic devices, including a phone, laptop, and camcorder, were seized. Analysis of these devices revealed evidence of potential sexual offenses against other women, expanding the investigation. He had remained on police bail for two years prior to his suspected departure.

His professional background includes studies in biochemistry in Cameroon and social sciences in the UK. He claimed to have worked as a mental health nurse for the NHS since 2016, but the Nursing and Midwifery Council stated he is not currently registered. Ndumbe also listed experience as a real estate rental manager and CEO of GMMH Services. Land registry records show he owned at least two of the six HMOs he managed in Greater Manchester.

Wigan council's investigation into the unlicensed HMOs uncovered significant safety issues, including a dangerous bathroom leak, faulty bedroom heating, and inadequate fire detection systems. During these proceedings, it emerged that Ndumbe had not fully declared his assets to the DWP, exceeding the £16,000 capital limit for housing benefit claims. The DWP has secured a proceeds of crime order to recover the £180,000 in benefits.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a suspect has been arrested and remains under investigation, with inquiries ongoing and support being provided to victims.