Civil servant faked illness with make-up to juggle five jobs, court hears
Kashim Chowdhury, a 55-year-old civil servant, is on trial for allegedly holding five full-time government jobs simultaneously and earning £350,000. Prosecutors claim he used fake sick notes and makeup to appear ill during video calls to avoid detection while working from home.
Why it matters
This case highlights potential vulnerabilities in public sector oversight and the challenges of managing remote work environments.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Kashim Chowdhury allegedly juggled five government jobs
A civil servant is accused of earning almost £350,000 by juggling five full-time public sector roles - using sick notes and working from home to cope with the workload.
Kashim Chowdhury allegedly held multiple government jobs between February 2020 and September 2023, earning £350,000 overall.
The jury at Southwark Crown Court has been told he wore white make-up during a video call with his boss to try to look ill, but the make-up began peeling off his skin.
Chowdury, a 55-year-old from east London, is on trial accused of nine counts of fraud, which he denies. He denies acting dishonestly or intending to make a dishonest gain.
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