A benefits fraudster has been jailed for 12 months for running a £2.6million property empire while claiming benefits.
Seema Bassi, 49, claimed she was a jobless single mother and fleeced the tax payer out of nearly £74,000 over a 10-year period.
At a case heard at Snaresbrook Crown Court it was revealed that Bassi owned 26 homes worth a total of £2.6million, providing her with about £150,000 in rent a year.
Bassi rented out homes in Gravesend, Canterbury, Herne Bay, Greenhithe and Hartlepool.
Some of the properties were leased to Gravesham Council in Kent which started investigations after her Bassi’s brother failed to pay council tax.
It emerged that Bassi had purchased 18 homes from her brother. Stacks of documents were seized from Bassi's home in Ilford, including bank statements and tenancy agreements.
It was discovered she had told mortgage lenders she earned £69,200 annually working for a property firm, but was still telling the council she was unemployed.
In total the mother-of-one pocketed £67,819 in housing benefits and £6,118 council tax benefits.
When questioned by police Bassi claimed the properties were held in trust for different members of her extended family, although no evidence was found to prove that such a trust existed.
She then claimed the 18 properties that had previously belonged to her brother had been put in her name because he was unwell and could no longer managed them.
Bassi denied but was convicted of five counts of fraud after a trial earlier this year, and was jailed this week.
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