A benefit fraudster has been ordered to pay fines and the legal costs of a council after stealing more than £7800 over a six-year period. 

Aurangzaib Sharif admitted six counts of fraud contrary to Council Tax Reduction Scheme Regulations when he appeared before Teesside Magistrates on Tuesday, October 24.

The court heard how Sharif, of Cambridge Road, Middlesbrough, received £7,886 in benefits he was not entitled to between 2015 and 2021 after failing to declare his true circumstances to the Council.

The Northern Echo: The benefit fraudster will now have to pay fines and legal costs of the councilThe benefit fraudster will now have to pay fines and legal costs of the council (Image: PA MEDIA)

Sharif owned two properties in London, one of which he rented out while claiming Council Tax Reduction from Middlesbrough Council.

His true circumstances became clear following an investigation by Veritau, who investigate fraud on behalf of the Council.

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In court, the 54-year-old was fined £846 with £338 victim surcharge and ordered to pay £1,270 towards the Council’s legal and investigation costs.

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In mitigation, the court heard representations about Sharif’s good character and the fact that the money had been paid back in full.

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: “The Council encourages all who need financial support to claim the benefits they are entitled to, cases like this clearly show what happens when people abuse the system by providing false information and not declaring changes in circumstances.

“Fraud against the Council is a crime against everyone who lives in Middlesbrough and we won’t hesitate to take strong action against those that commit it.”