Man 'lied about losing family members in Grenfell Tower fire in order to claim financial support'

A 53-year-old man has been jailed after lying about the deaths of family members in the Grenfell Tower fire last year for financial benefit.

Anh Nhu Nguyen was sentenced to 21 months in jail yesterday after pleading guilty to two counts of fraud in November last year.

Police alleged Nguyen approached authorities following the fire with claims he had lost his wife and son in the blaze, providing "a very detailed account of how he lost sight" of them.

Nguyen said he was taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation however police were unable to find any record of the visit.

The 53-year-old subsequently claimed financial support and accepted emergency hotel accommodation.

Upon further inspection however, Nguyen's story was found to have a number of holes, with neighbours and the actual resident contradicting claims Nguyen lived in a certain Grenfell Tower apartment.

Police were able to identify Nguyen's actual home address at another location and learned that he did not in fact have a wife or child.

Nguyen was arrested on suspicion of fraud on June 28 and charged the following day.

Investigating officer Detective Chief James Tauber said Nguyen exploited the tragedy for his own personal gain.

"Nguyen's fraud was designed to make sure he profited from the support intended for the true victims of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire," Det Chief Tauber said.

"He went to great lengths to fabricate an elaborate story about his escape from the tower."

"Not only did Nguyen take money, housing and clothing intended for genuine victims, he diverted police time and resources away from those who most needed it," Detective Superintendent Matt Bonner added.

A blaze tore through the 24-storey Grenfell Tower building on June 14 last year, causing 71 deaths and over 70 injuries.