Gael Ikobonga has been sentenced to 28 months’ imprisonment
Gael Ikobonga was a Tenancy Services Manager for a housing company that leased properties on behalf of a charity which, as part of its services, provides housing for individuals who need support.
He sub-let several flats at a block in Canning Town privately between January 2016 and November 2018 and provided the unsuspecting tenants with his personal bank account details for the rent payments.
The 32-year-old even moved in to one of the flats with his girlfriend, paying no rent while living there.
In total, Ikobonga accrued around £100,000 through his dishonesty. Analysis of his bank account showed the majority of the money was spent on his gambling habit.
He was arrested in October 2018. Following an investigation, he was charged in February 2020 and pleaded guilty that same month to fraud by abuse of position.
Ikobonga, now of Rush Green Road, was sentenced today at Snaresbrook Crown Court to 28 months’ imprisonment.
Acting Detective Inspector Martin Enever, from the North East Economic Crime Command, said: “Ikobonga stole money from a charity that helps those in need to fuel his gambling addiction, with not a thought of the impact his actions would have.
“Employee fraud is a serious offence which the Met is committed to investigating. Employers can help by always remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to Action Fraud.”
