In the Media

'Illegal immigrant' in ?1m theft from council

PUBLISHED June 12, 2006
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A SUSPECTED illegal immigrant has admitted stealing more than ?1 million of public funds and spending it on property and sports cars after securing a job on a city council.

John Kaduwanema, 27, of Cannock, Staffordshire, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to ten charges of dishonestly obtaining money. He was employed as a finance manager for Birmingham City Council and moved the money it into his own accounts between May last year and February. 
 
It is alleged that Kaduwanema, from Uganda, arrived in Britain on a student visa, which has expired. He failed to complete his studies at the University of Birmingham and, when his visa ran out, it is believed that he never applied for citizenship. The case came to light when Barclays bank contacted the council and raised questions about a transaction of council cash. Kaduwanema has identifiable assets of almost ?1 million, including several properties and a Jaguar, the court was told.

The council said that it was in the process of recovering the cash and was also investigating how Kaduwanema was able to get a job despite his illegal status. A spokesman said: ?We are taking action to ensure it doesn?t happen again.? Kaduwanema, who was remanded in custody, will be sentenced later.

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