Four arrested in West Yorkshire for role in multi-million pound Covid fraud

The group were arrested on suspicion of fraud and money laundering offences as part of a national operation investigating fraud committed against over 100 local authorities giving out Covid business grants.

The suspects are believed to have impersonated high street chains in order to obtain £1.8 million.

The group were also suspected of using companies to secure over half a million pounds in Bounce Back Loans.

It comes as part of attempts by the Government to chase down more than £3 billion stolen from the taxpayer by fraudsters.

However, previous reports by Parliament’s spending watchdog found that around £21 billion of public money has been lost in fraud since the pandemic.

Kevin Hollinrake, a business minister and North Yorkshire MP, said: “Government acted decisively to deliver support to businesses during an incredibly challenging time, and we’re cracking down on those who abused this.

“Let today’s raid be a warning to all those who exploited public money during the pandemic, your time is coming”.

Cabinet Office Minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe, said: "This successful operation shows our determination to hunt down those suspected of stealing from the public purse.

"Bounce back loans were put in place to help businesses suffering during the pandemic. It is a disgrace that people should look to take money intended to help those in need.

“The Public Sector Fraud Authority is working with departments including the Department for Business and Trade to build deep counter-fraud capability across government and to protect the public purse now and into the future”.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​