A rogue landlord who ran an illegal box-room empire must pay £1.5 million or spend nine years in prison.
Vispasp Sarkari continuously ignored planning rules and converted properties across north-west London into substandard flats without permission.
Harrow Crown Court heard that the 56-year-old would cram as many people as possible into these dangerous rooms and charge tenants extortionate rent.
His operation was brought down by a joint venture between Harrow and Brent Councils.
Sarkari operated for at least five years in Brent and Harrow, ignoring several enforcement warnings from both councils and raking in thousands of pounds from those desperately seeking a roof over their heads.
His criminal enterprise included a one-bed house in Brent – converted into eight box-room bedsits – and four similar properties across Harrow.
He was ordered to pay an additional £12,000 and cover the costs for both local authorities in full.
