"Police investigating allegations that corrupt local authority housing officers demanded cash from tenants for council-owned properties in east London have made more arrests. A further two suspects have been detained following an investigation into claims that hundreds of homes in Barking and Dagenham were falsely allocated to people, the council said on Tuesday. Five warrants were executed on Thursday, September 4 and the council and its wholly-owned housing company, BD Reside, said they were working with police on an investigation relating to suspected homes fraud."
"The fact we have openly publicised this matter as much as we can, and contacted the City of London Police for guidance and support, shows our commitment to being open and transparent when serious concerns are found. We want this investigation to send a clear message that we simply won't tolerate illegal activity. Some of the comments I've seen from the public are calling for those involved to be named, which we obviously can't do while the investigation is live."
City of London Police and Barking and Dagenham council launched Operation Chandrila to investigate suspected bribery and homes fraud affecting social housing between November 2020 and December 2024. Allegations claim corrupt local authority housing officers demanded cash from tenants and falsely allocated several hundred council-owned properties. Two further suspects were detained after five warrants were executed on September 4. Prospective tenants reportedly responded to social media adverts and were given contacts to obtain affordable housing. It is alleged tenants paid finders fees and inflated rents, with some payments returned in part to the council. Investigations and arrests continue.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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