In a dramatic turn of events, UK authorities have arrested 42-year-old Zimbabwean national John Mhodzi, a long-time resident of Manchester, in connection with a sophisticated £500,000 benefits fraud scheme. Mhodzi, who moved to the UK in 2009, is alleged to have used multiple identities to claim housing benefits, Universal Credit, and child support from various councils across Greater Manchester. The arrest was made during an early morning raid at his three-bedroom detached home in Chorlton, where investigators seized luxury goods, fake IDs, and over £20,000 in cash. Neighbours described Mhodzi as a “quiet but flashy man” who drove a Mercedes-Benz and often hosted lavish parties.
Authorities say the fraud stretched over nearly a decade and involved elaborate documentation, including forged birth certificates and counterfeit landlord agreements. The UK Home Office confirmed that Mhodzi is also being investigated for possible immigration violations and money laundering, with potential links to cross-border fraud networks. He is currently remanded in custody and expected to appear before the Manchester Crown Court next week. The Zimbabwean Embassy in London said they are monitoring the situation closely but have yet to release an official statement. The arrest has sparked debate on immigration and welfare oversight, making headlines across both UK and Zimbabwean media.
