Six months in prison for Woolwich resident caught defrauding the council

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A Woolwich resident who sublet his council home for almost three years, was sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty to fraud.

Mr Yussuf Alejo pled guilty to one offence of fraud under the Fraud Act 2006 at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday 1 May 2025. Mr Alejo was caught subletting his council home of 95 Frances Street London SE18 5LB from July 2021 to June 2024.

Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value said: “The misuse of our council homes is a serious offence that undermines the integrity of our housing register, which currently has over 25,000 people waiting for safe and secure housing.

“We hope this acts as a warning to residents who take advantage of council housing that we will work with the justice system to prosecute any fraud committed against us.

“We urge all residents to respect council homes and report suspected fraud. Together, we can ensure fair and accessible community support for everyone.”

Subletting is when you are renting a property but choose to rent the home or room to another person without the permission of the landlord or owner, in this case the council.

If you suspect someone of committing fraud against the Royal Borough of Greenwich, please call 0800 169 6975 or email [email protected].