Adam Mejri, 47, was sentenced to 42 months in prison on Friday, July 10, at Southwark Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of fraud and two counts of dishonestly failing to notify a change in circumstances. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed that Mejri fraudulently obtained more than £160,000 in benefits and council support, including over £52,000 in employment support allowance (ESA), approximately £107,000 in housing benefit, and £4,000 in local council tax support.
Fraudster preyed on Grenfell tragedy
Prosecutors revealed that Mejri repeatedly attempted to claim a £5,000 support fund intended for residents affected by the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people. In March 2018, he attended the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council offices, falsely claiming to be the tenant of an empty flat near the tower. The real tenant had left the UK, the court heard. Earlier that year, Metropolitan Police had visited the property and arrested two illegal immigrants found living there, after which the flat was secured for council access only.
Mejri produced identity documents in the tenant's name, prompting the council to remove a metal security door from the flat. He then repeatedly tried to obtain the compensation payment, but officials grew suspicious and the money was never disbursed. He also redirected the former tenant's post to other addresses and began sub-letting the flat for £1,200 per month.
Ongoing fraud and evasion
In July 2019, Mejri used the same false identity to claim universal credit but consistently missed Jobcentre appointments, citing physical and mental illness. However, police investigation of his Facebook account revealed that these missed appointments coincided with his visits to Saudi Arabia. Prosecutors also noted that Mejri claimed ESA and housing benefit while earning income from sub-letting two other properties in Westminster, without declaring this to the council.
His Honour Judge Baumgartner described Mejri as a “thoroughly dishonest person who preyed upon the innocence and misfortune of others.” Minister for Transformation Andrew Western condemned the fraud as “shocking and calculated,” stating that Mejri “stole a victim’s identity, exploited public support systems and even tried to profit from the tragedy of Grenfell.” Senior crown prosecutor Richard Powell added that Mejri’s “selfish actions took tens of thousands of pounds away from those who required genuine support and financial help.”
