BBC Asian Network presenter admits fraud

BBC Asian Network presenter Kanwal Qazi has admitted falsely claiming benefits totaling �18,000 while working as a DJ on the station’s ‘Retro Selection’ show.

Kanwal whose real name is Lubna Qazi from Kings Heath in Birmingham claimed carer’s allowance after her husband suffered a stroke in 2002.

But the 53-year-old failed to inform the authorities of her work. This was at the same time she was earning �24.47 per hour for a three-hour shift at the weekends on the station.

Her hearing is and sentence is due to take place at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday 21st December.

Defence solicitor Carl Vasey told the court that his client had reached a settlement with the authorities after receiving a total overpayment of �18,014.

Mr Vasey told magistrates, “There is a great deal of personal mitigation in this matter and there has already been a civil settlement reached.”

Since informing the BBC about the proceedings against her, she has not been broadcasting. Zeb Quereshi has been sitting in for Kanwal on the show.

A spokesman for the BBC said, “We are not going to comment on ongoing court proceedings.”