Civil servant who juggled five jobs says he was 'surprised' to be charged with fraud

Between 2020 and 2023, Chowdhury held eight overlapping public sector positions, working full-time for each organization and earning over £284,000. He claimed to have agreed informally with his employers to work flexibly, but his phone records were missing. Prosecutors alleged he worked remotely and exploited his role as a sole carer for his mother. During a meeting with his UKHSA line manager, Aleesha Adams, Chowdhury wore white makeup, which he denied, saying he was suffering from anxiety and depression.