Een van de financiële reddingsboeien die de overheid in de eerste weken van de afsluiting van het coronavirus naar bedrijven gooide, was het Bounce Back Loan Scheme.

De regeling stelt banken in staat om kleine bedrijven tot 50.000 pond te lenen, ondersteund door een 100% staatsgarantie. Begin oktober had het programma voor meer dan 38 miljard pond aan leningen verstrekt.

But now it has emerged that the scheme faces billions in losses from fraud – something which the government was warned about when it was launched in early May.

Een BBC-reportage onthulde onlangs dat criminelen “op industriële schaal nepbedrijven opzetten om leningen te krijgen ter waarde van tienduizenden ponden”.

The National Crime Agency and National Insolventie Service have said it zal examine cases of serious and organised crime linked to the scheme, and help banks detect fraudulent applications. The operation is also likely to catch genuine claims with businesses being pressed for evidence

If you find yourself facing investigation by the police or other authorities our specialist and highly experienced solicitors are ready to assist.

For further information contact Piers Desser, Partner and Head of the Criminal Geschillen Department, Piers Desser or call 020 7613 2711.

(Please note: This article was originally published on our previous website and is provided for general information purposes only. While it reflects the legal position at the time of writing, the law may have changed since publication. For up-to-date advice tailored to your circumstances, please contact our team.)