Fake Grenfell Victim Busted for Fraud – Tried to Scam Cash and Housing
A 52-year-old man has been arrested by Metropolitan Police after claiming he lost his wife and son in the Grenfell Tower fire – a lie to snag money and housing support.
False Claims Spark Police Probe
The man came forward right after the tragedy, earning a family liaison officer. He tried to claim financial aid saying he lost all his property in the blaze. But police soon spotted holes in his story.
Neighbours and Relatives Blow the Whistle
- Residents near the Grenfell flat said the man never lived there.
- Relatives of the actual flat’s tenant were informed about the investigation.
- Officers found the man was living in Bromley at the time – with no wife or children.
Police Empty Noose on Fraudster
The probe focuses purely on fraud, with no links to sub-letting or immigration. Detectives say he acted alone.
“The distress and suffering caused to so many families and loved ones that night is harrowing,” said Detective Superintendent Fiona McCormack.
“Our focus remains on supporting victims and investigating the fire. We are not interested in sub-letting or immigration issues because we want to protect all victims. But anyone trying to exploit this tragedy will be pursued robustly.”
The man was arrested on the evening of Wednesday, 28 June, and is now held at a west London police station outside Kensington and Chelsea. He faces suspicion of fraud as cops close in on sham Grenfell victim scams.