After more than three years, there have been no arrests or charges made in connection to a fraud investigation initiated by the police after receiving allegations related to a council property development in Muswell Hill in March 2021. The identity of the individual who reported the alleged fraud and the nature of the accusations remain undisclosed. In February 2022, it was revealed that some councillors participated in voluntary interviews regarding the matter, though one councillor requested anonymity citing safety concerns if identified. Despite former Highgate councillor Clive Carter urging the disclosure of “secret” documents related to controversial property deals, including the one under police scrutiny, no further details on the case or arrests have been made public. The investigation centers around Woodside Avenue, where Haringey Council once intended to replace a row of houses and the former Cranwood care home with a block of flats. The council purchased a property for £2.15 million, valued at £850,000, to facilitate the scheme but later abandoned the plan. An issue arose when a neighbor expressed dissatisfaction with differential treatment and the council’s failure to provide evidence to the Local Government Ombudsman. Despite findings against Haringey by the Ombudsman and claims of evidence withholding by council officers, the investigation into the property schemes continues. External investigator Chris Buss discovered leaks of confidential council data to a property developer, but the specific deal or development was unclear. Cllr Peray Ahmet pledged to forward the investigative report to the police in April 2023. While the Met Police stated the case is still active, Haringey Council declined to comment on the matter.
Ongoing Investigation into Fraud Involving Haringey Council and Met Police
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