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A Labor MP was charged with housing fraud after being investigated about how she got her apartment.
Apsana Begum, who was chosen for her seat at Poplar and Limehouse in East London last year, has been charged with three crimes.
The MP, who is considered an ally of former Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn and whose candidacy was endorsed by Momentum, is said to “vigorously refute” the allegations.
Begum faces three separate charges of failing to disclose information dishonestly in order to gain gain for herself or another, or exposing another person to loss for crimes dated between January 2013 and March 2016. She must appear in Thames Magistrates Court on December 10. The charges are the result of an investigation by the Tower Hamlets council, which as a local authority has the power to initiate legal action.
A statement issued by lawyers for the MP, who won her seat with a majority of almost 29,000, said: “Ms. Begum vigorously refutes these false and malicious accusations. She cannot comment in more detail. “
The Sun, which disclosed the charges, reported last November that Begum was facing an investigation into the apartment she moved to months after leaving her estranged husband’s home. The property is understood to be managed by a housing association, but the tenants are appointed by the council.
Investigators reportedly wanted to know how he got to the top of a waiting list of 18,000 people so quickly given he had no children. The newspaper previously reported that Begum denied wrongdoing, saying: “I was very grateful to be housed, which gave me the lifeline I needed to live independently and safely.”
A Tower Hamlets council spokesperson said: “It would not be appropriate for us to comment on a specific investigation. We urge others to refrain from making unnecessary speculation about any investigation the council undertakes to avoid undermining court proceedings. “
The Labor Party declined to comment.
