Wolverhampton polygraph used for fraud
A Wolverhampton polygraph test could have helped in a recent fraud case. Police found a former Wolverhampton councillor guilty of attempting to commit fraud.
The story
Harman Banger, 40, and his wife Neena Kumari, 38, of Bilston Road, in Wolverhampton, applied for £10,000 for a defunct pizza restaurant. The restaurant did not receive any money.
The hearing
Appearing at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, the couple were to receive bail. The sentence is due at the city’s Crown court on 14 January.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Mr Banger had used his knowledge from having cabinet responsibilities at the City of Wolverhampton Council to “cheat the system”.
The claims multiply
The firm they both owned, Pizza Plus also put in a claim. Mr.Banger’s wife claims it had been operating since October 2019. With support from West Midlands Police, the council’s own counter-fraud team investigated. Firstly, they found the business had no electricity and secondly the restaurant was closed given it had boards everywhere.
The future for Mr Banger
Mr Banger was put on suspension from Labour because of the case. The CPS said “Mr.Banger abused his position of power”. Furthermore, in the week before his arrest Mr.Banger stood down from his cabinet job for city economy. The BBC has approached the City of Wolverhampton Council for comment.
How a polygraph test could have helped the case
Police are now using polygraph testing for cases involving sex offenders and terrorists. The scheme has involved investing in new equipment and training nationwide. Police are reporting communities are in massive support of the new scheme. The community feel safe and secure as a result of offenders taking regular polygraph tests upon release. To conclude, the forces are happy that they now have another diagnostic process that can help then decide if a suspect is guilty or not.
If you suspect someone is committing fraud, book a lie detector test online today. Alternatively, you can call our free helpline on 07572 748364.
