Samy Daim admitted to 11 counts of fraud by false representation at Inner London Crown Court, including unsuspecting teenage-aged student tenants with the offences taking place between 2023 and 2024.

His method involved booking genuine Airbnb properties, then falsely advertising them on platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla as long-term rentals.

Daim demanded a full year’s rent upfront along with a 25% deposit with the funds being kept for himself.

Remarkably, he even used his own London flat in the deception despite facing eviction from the property due to unpaid rent.

His fraud came to an end when he was arrested at Heathrow Airport while attempting to board a flight to Thailand. On social media, he had previously shared images from luxury destinations, allegedly funded by the money he swindled.

Several of Daim’s victims—some just 18 years old—were left thousands of pounds out of pocket, with individual losses spanning from £10,730 to nearly £20,000. In total, he defrauded tenants of a staggering £204,180.

Newspapers and other media stated judge Silas Reid told Daim: Several of Daim’s victims—some just 18 years old—were left thousands of pounds out of pocket, with individual losses spanning from £10,730 to nearly £20,000. In total, he defrauded tenants of a staggering £204,180.

Reporters from the court said that judge Silas Reid told the scam artist: “All of the victims suffered considerable detrimental impact and the amount of money was significant.

“Two of the victims suffered serious detrimental effects, one of them his wife was pregnant and they were left in a situation almost unable to afford food, and of course they still needed to secure accommodation.

“One was recently bereaved which meant your actions had an even greater impact. One victim suffered their hair falling out, disrupted sleep and one lost his job and had nowhere to live.”

The Frenchman Daim has now been locked up for four years.