Dancing asylum cheat claimed £400,000 for being `paralysed`
Baku, November 27 (AZERTAC). An asylum cheat who raked in thousands of pounds in benefits after claiming to be paralysed from the neck down was filmed dancing at a wedding, a court has heard.
Moroccan Mohamed Bouzalim arrived in the UK in 2001 seeking asylum after claiming he was an Afghan national called Hussini and that his father had been killed by the Taliban.
Despite speaking fluent Pashto - the Afghan language - suspicions were raised that he was making up his story and his application was rejected.
However, he was given leave to remain in the UK as he was undocumented and it was unclear where to deport him. He went on to become naturalised.
Using his Hussini identity the 37-year-old, who was studying for a PhD at the School of Oriental and African Studies, went on to claim thousands of pounds in benefits after claiming he was virtually paralysed and in need of 24-hour care.
The UK Border Agency received information regarding Bouzalim in late 2009 and enquiries revealed that Bouzalim was in receipt of approximately £66,000 a year in a variety of benefits and allowances. A number of his family members were in the UK and were part of his scam. Some were being "paid" by Bouzalim after being brought into the country as his carers.
Bouzalim, his parents and siblings were arrested by UKBA Crime Team officers in June 2010 at an address in Grangeway, Kilburn. Searches of the property revealed disability aids stacked up unused in cupboards. A video was found of him dancing at his wedding in Morocco in 2009.
He later admitted 11 charges including obtaining leave to remain by deception, assisting illegal entry, conspiring to commit fraud and possessing false ID documents. His sister Zahra and two brothers Rachid and Abdullah also admitted fraud charges.
He is thought to have defrauded Camden council, the DWP and Independent Living Fund of approximately £400,000. His claim for British citizenship was also gained by deception.
He is due to be sentenced at Isleworth crown court today.
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