Housing Benefit Claimant Accused Of Secret €22K-Plus Bank Account

A housing benefit claimant, accused of dishonestly keeping private savings of over €22,000 in a secret Portuguese bank account, has appeared in court.

Maria Albuquerque, 49, enjoyed a council flat in a Thameside Victorian conversion in Mall Road, Hammersmith, where her rent was paid via benefits.

She appeared at Bromley Magistrates Court, where she was sent to Woolwich Crown Court after denying any dishonest intention.

Albuquerque is charged with one count of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances to the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham between November 21, 2005 and October 8, 2018.

She is accused of promptly failing to notify her savings of over €22,000 in the overseas bank account.

Prosecutor Mr. Waheed Chaudhrey told the court: “This defendant was in receipt of Housing Benefit and the local council executed a search warrant at the address and found bank statements.”

Albuquerque was bailed to appear at Woolwich Crown Court on November 4, where the case is expected to be transferred to Isleworth Crown Court, which usually deals with west London prosecutions.