Benefits worker accused of fraud

A benefits fraud investigator and his wife have appeared in court accused of making illegal claims for more than £30,000 of benefits.

Mohammed Amjad Aslam, 37, from Wembley, north-west London, who worked as a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investigator, faces 10 charges.
His wife, Afshan Ishaq, 38, also from Wembley, is charged with six offences.
The pair were bailed to appear at Harrow Crown Court on 22 January by Harrow magistrates.

The charges involved a total of £31, 447.22 between 2004 and February this year, when the couple were arrested.
Mr Aslam, of Baffingham Road, is accused of allowing Ms Ishaq, a supply teacher, to make claims as a single parent when they were married and living together.
He also allegedly interviewed his wife for a benefits fraud investigation without revealing who she was, and is accused of forging signatures and stealing DWP files.
The pair also face a joint charge over a tenancy agreement for a property in Harrow, north-west London.

Mr Aslam is charged with one count of theft, five counts of perverting the course of justice, and one of wilful misconduct in public office.
He is also charged with causing or allowing the production of any false document or information, making a false statement or representation to obtain benefits and producing or furnishing a false statement.
Ms Ishaq, of Barn Way, faces two charges of making a false statement to obtain benefits, one of producing or furnishing a false statement to obtain benefits, two of obtaining money by deception, and one of evading liability.

They were both ordered to surrender their passports - both British and Pakistani - and travel documents.