Full Breakdown
Fraudster Sentenced for Grenfell-Related Benefit Scam
7/10/2026, 9:19:19 PM
Core Event: Identity Theft and Benefit Fraud Near Grenfell Tower
Adam Mejri entered an abandoned council flat on Hurstway Walk, a short walk from Grenfell Tower in west London, and pretended to be the legal tenant, Munir Altaib. Using Altaib’s identity, Mejri sub-let the property for £1,200 a month, claimed more than £160,000 in welfare benefits, and attempted to obtain a £5,000 compensation payment reserved for Grenfell-tower residents. Southwark Crown Court found him guilty of two counts of welfare fraud and two counts of fraud by false representation and sentenced him to 42 months’ imprisonment.
Background & Context
The Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 killed 72 people and triggered a compensation fund for affected residents. The flat Mejri targeted had been locked by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in 2018 after police discovered two illegal immigrants squatting there. In March 2018 Mejri visited the council office, claimed to be Altaib—who had left the UK for Tunisia in 2017—and sought the compensation payment. The real tenant warned the council in April 2018 that someone was using his name and address for “terrorist acts.”
Data & Statistics
- Total fraudulent proceeds: £160,000 (Department for Work and Pensions).
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claims: ? £52,000.
- Housing benefit claims: ? £107,000.
- Council tax support: ? £4,000.
- Attempted Grenfell compensation: £5,000.
- Sub-letting income: £1,200 per month.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Laura Hollingbery (Crown Prosecution Service) detailed how Mejri repeatedly avoided Jobcentre appointments, citing “depression and schizophrenia,” while police records showed he was abroad in Saudi Arabia during missed visits. The Department for Work and Pensions highlighted the case as a “shocking and calculated fraud” and praised the joint investigation by DWP and Kensington and Chelsea Council. Minister for Transformation Andrew Western commended investigators and said the conviction sends a clear message that diverting funds from genuine victims will not be tolerated.
Criticism & Opposition
During sentencing, Judge Neil Calver described Mejri’s conduct as “a despicable thing, taking advantage of those living and around Grenfell Tower,” labeling him a “malingerer” who exploited mental-health claims. He added that the offences demonstrated Mejri was “a thoroughly dishonest person who preys on the innocence and misfortune of others.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ms Hollingbery said: 'On 1 March 2018, this defendant attended claiming to be Munir Altaib.” — Laura Hollingbery, Senior Crown Prosecutor
- “' Passing sentencing, Judge Neil Calver said: 'What you did was a despicable thing, taking advantage of those living and around Grenfell Tower.” — Neil Calver, Judge
- “Speaking following the sentencing, the Government's Minister for Transformation Andrew Western said: 'This was a shocking and calculated fraud from a brazen criminal who stole a victim's identity, exploited public support systems, and even tried to profit from the tragedy of Grenfell.” — Andrew Western, Minister for Transformation
- “Mejri's selfish actions took tens of thousands of pounds away from those who required genuine support and financial help.” — Richard Powell, Senior Crown Prosecutor
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Mejri’s age is reported as 46 (Daily Mail) and 47 (Daily Star).
- The exact date of sentencing is not specified in the source material; only that it occurred “on Friday” at Southwark Crown Court.
- No information is provided about any restitution or repayment plan for the £160,000 obtained.
