Grenfell Fraudster Jailed for Five Years
Moses Ettienne, 49, has been sentenced to five years behind bars for trying to scam the Grenfell Tower fire relief fund. The Isleworth Crown Court convicted him on Thursday, 28 March, after a full trial.
Faked Claims Exposed
Ettienne falsely claimed he lived in Grenfell Tower during the deadly fire on 14 June 2017. He blagged nearly £47,500 in hotel and living expenses from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC).
But here’s the catch: Ettienne had moved out years before the blaze. He even gave a fake flat number that didn’t exist, then refused to reveal his supposed flat’s details to council officials and police.
Wild Excuses and Fake Diplomatic Status
Trying to cover his tracks, Ettienne claimed he was involved in ‘top secret’ renewable energy projects with foreign governments and that his flat still contained classified files. He also said he had diplomatic immunity because of work with the US Mission in Geneva.
In reality, Ettienne had no diplomatic status in the UK. His two renewable energy companies folded quickly after failing to trade. Investigations revealed he actually ran a second-hand vintage clothes stall.
Justice Served
Police arrested Ettienne in September 2018. His conviction brings some closure to a scheme that exploited the tragedy of Grenfell’s victims.
