Martin Ford 11 August 2021

‘Shameless’ COVID fraudsters targeted 41 councils

‘Shameless’ COVID fraudsters targeted 41 councils image

The actions of two companies that attempted to defraud dozens of councils out of COVID grants have been labelled ‘despicable’.

LV Distributions and SIO Traders between them submitted false documents to at least 41 local authorities and the Government to secure £230,000 worth of business support grants.

Both companies were wound-up in the High Court in separate hearings after the Insolvency Service proved neither ever traded.

Small business minister Paul Scully said: ‘This decisive enforcement action shows that we will not tolerate shameless attempts to defraud the taxpayer and falsely claim public money intended to help businesses through the pandemic.’

SIO Traders provided false lease documents and utility bills to 14 different councils to fraudulently claim they traded in PPE supplies in their respective areas, securing £95,000 worth of business grants from 10 of them and a £50,000 bounce back loan.

In a separate proceedings, LV Distributions claimed to sell medical care products and provided false documents to 27 local authorities, receiving £35,000 in business grants from two council and a £50,000 bounce back loan.

To continue reading visit The MJ (£).

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner