BBC Rogue Traders presenter Dan Penteado denies £24,000 benefit fraud allegations

A presenter on BBC consumer affairs programme Rogue Traders, who is facing benefit fraud accusations, claimed today that the matter is a "misunderstanding". 

Dan Penteado, 40, from Westbourne, Bournemouth, has been accused of receiving more than £24,000 in housing and council tax allowances while working for the BBC1 show. 

He is regularly seen alongside presenter Matt Allwright as the pair investigate bogus tradesmen. 

Penteado failed to appear at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and has since spoken to police. 

He told The Mirror: "It's all a misunderstanding that's causing a lot of grief for my family. 
"There is no arrest warrant. I've been to the police station and I've not been arrested." 

Penteado is understood to be facing 10 charges of benefit fraud from 2008 to 2012 but has not yet been formally charged. 

The offences relate to Penteado allegedly failing to disclose a bank account his wages were paid into and failing to declare a change of circumstances after being hired by the BBC. 

Dorset Police said they were not involved in the case and that it was a matter for Bournemouth Borough Council. A spokeswoman for the council would not comment. 

PA