A “DISHONEST” man who “alienated his family” has been ordered to repay £462,515.81 after he was convicted of fraud.

Shazad Hussain, of Primary Way, Undercliffe, was convicted of five offences of fraud by abuse of position in January 2016 and is currently serving 45 months in prison.

He dishonestly took control of £316,000 of direct care payments and welfare benefits paid to various vulnerable members of his family and failed to use the funds for their intended purpose.

His fraudulent behaviour was uncovered by a complex joint investigation by Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Joint Services.

Some of the money had been used to fund a luxury lifestyle, buying items such as private number plates and a gold bullion, and other funds were left to accrue interest in his various accounts.

After his imprisonment, the prosecutor asked for the case to proceed to confiscation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Following a five day hearing in Manchester, a confiscation order was made requiring Hussain to pay £462,515.81.

Judge Mark Savill found Hussain had benefitted from criminal conduct to the value of £671,782.34, however as Hussain only had assets of £462,515.81, was ordered to pay the lesser amount.

Councillor Val Slater, executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “Mr Hussain was trusted by vulnerable members of his family to act in their best interests and he abused that trust.

“It’s absolutely right to pursue him for those funds. We are committed to ensuring that vulnerable people get the support they are entitled to.

“We will always deal robustly with any fraud and with partner agencies we will pursue recompense in order to both protect vulnerable people and recoup taxpayers’ money.”

Linda Davis, head of the West Yorkshire Financial Exploitation & Abuse Team, added: “We do everything we can to stop criminals profiting from their crimes and to recover the money to fund the public purse.

“Ensuring that individuals do not benefit financially from criminal activity is paramount, and this joint investigation has resulted in money intended to be used for the social care and wellbeing of vulnerable adults, being recovered.”

During the 2016 hearing at Bradford Crown Court, Judge Savill said: “”You conducted yourself dishonestly for years.

“You isolated your immediate family and alienated them.”