An investigation by Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police which began in 2020 uncovered a gang of fraudsters abusing covid support schemes as soon as they were introduced in May 2020.

The gang of 10 individuals applied for 26 separate Covid bounce back loans, equating to more than £1.3m. from seven different banks. They managed this by claiming they were directors of numerous companies.

Not satisfied with the money stolen from the bounce back loans, the gang also claimed 53 small business grants valued at £530,000 which were paid out by five different councils, as well as another £530,000 from Eat Out to Help Out payments.

The Birmingham based gang, which also operated in Yorkshire, was headed up by ringleaders Qirat Deeas, 51, and Ummer Yousaf, 40, took control of 50 companies that were not trading, by registering as directors of existing companies on Companies House, as well as using fake identities to make applications for bounce back loans and Eat Out to Help Out grants.