Kashim Chowdhury faces fraud charges for juggling multiple government roles

Kashim Chowdhury, a 55-year-old civil servant, is appearing at Southwark Crown Court facing nine counts of fraud. Prosecutors allege that between 2020 and 2023, Chowdhury held eight overlapping public sector positions, including roles with the Home Office, the Food Standards Agency, the Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

At the height of the alleged scheme, Chowdhury was reportedly contracted to work 183 hours per week. The prosecution claims he fraudulently earned a combined salary of approximately £349,378. Chowdhury has denied acting dishonestly or intending to make a dishonest gain, stating he was on ‘auto pilot’ and ‘not thinking clearly’ due to the workload.

During the trial, the court heard allegations that Chowdhury used white make-up to appear unwell during online meetings to justify sick leave. Chowdhury denied these claims, insisting he was genuinely ill and had not used make-up to exaggerate his symptoms.