Southend-on-Sea woman sentenced for fraudulent expense claims to City Council
Former social worker ordered to pay compensation and adhere to curfew
A woman from Southend-on-Sea has been sentenced for fraud and money laundering after falsely claiming relocation expenses from Southend-on-Sea City Council.
Esline Dzumbunu, 52, of The Pinnacle, Victoria Avenue, was found guilty at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday 23rd June.
Dzumbunu faced charges of fraud by false representation and money laundering after fraudulently claiming £7,920 in relocation expenses between November 2016 and June 2017.
She received an 18-month community order, along with a two-month overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am monitored by an electronic tag. Additionally, Dzumbunu was ordered to pay £1,800 in compensation to the Council.
The Council's Counter Fraud Team began investigating Dzumbunu in 2022 during a review of her HR records and identified unusual claims.
At the time, relocation expenses were available to aid in the recruitment of social workers, but Dzumbunu had not relocated as claimed when submitting expense requests.
While she later moved in with her sister before obtaining her own property, she was not entitled to the payments she claimed. The investigation revealed she had submitted four expense claims, including household appliances which were later returned for refunds after reimbursement.
Dzumbunu chose not to answer questions during an interview under caution but mentioned during a separate HR interview that her intended flat purchase had fallen through, prompting her to store items while staying with her sister.
In sentencing, the judge noted that Dzumbunu exploited the relocation scheme and that she would face significant personal consequences, including loss of her career and financial stability.
Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Councillor Daniel Cowan, stated: "We expect the highest standards of integrity from everyone who works for the Council. This case demonstrates that allegations of fraud will be fully investigated and, where appropriate, pursued through the courts."
Cllr Cowan added: "Public money must be protected and used for the benefit of our residents. I would like to thank the Council’s Counter Fraud Team for their thorough investigation and commitment to safeguarding taxpayers’ funds."