An illegal immigrant who masterminded an audacious property fraud worth over £1.3 million while unlawfully residing in the UK has been handed a substantial prison sentence. Anopkumar Maudhoo, a 43-year-old serial fraudster, exploited the British property market in a sophisticated scam that left a trail of financial devastation.
Operating from an address in Slough, Maudhoo's criminal enterprise involved hijacking the identities of legitimate property owners and tenants. He then posed as their landlord or agent, collecting rents and even attempting to sell properties he had no legal claim to.
The Elaborate Scheme Unravels
Maudhoo's downfall began when he targeted a property in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey. Posing as the landlord, he collected £17,500 in rent from unsuspecting tenants before attempting to sell the home for £475,000. His audacity knew no bounds—he even hired estate agents and conveyancers to lend credibility to the fraudulent sale.
Investigators from the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU) uncovered that Maudhoo had previously been deported from Britain in 2017 following a separate conviction. He had illegally re-entered the country to continue his criminal activities, demonstrating a blatant disregard for UK law.
A Pattern of Deception
Evidence presented at Guildford Crown Court revealed Maudhoo's sophisticated methods:
- Forging tenancy agreements and utility bills to establish false legitimacy
- Using stolen personal details to open bank accounts for laundering proceeds
- Targeting multiple properties across London and the South East
- Attempting to secure mortgage funds through fraudulent applications
Detective Constable Matt Booker of the DCPCU emphasized the calculated nature of Maudhoo's crimes: "Maudhoo is a determined fraudster who went to great lengths to steal people's identities and then use them to commit fraud, attempting to steal a significant amount of money."
Justice Served at Guildford Crown Court
On September 13, Maudhoo was sentenced to six years imprisonment after pleading guilty to three counts of fraud. His sophisticated operation ultimately collapsed under the weight of evidence gathered by financial investigators.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in combating property and identity fraud in the UK's real estate market. Industry experts warn that homeowners should remain vigilant against such sophisticated scams, particularly those involving rental properties and conveyancing processes.
Maudhoo's sentence reflects the seriousness with which British courts treat complex financial crimes, especially those committed by individuals who have already been removed from the country for previous offences.
