Government launches fraud squad to tackle Covid loan scammers

Thursday 28th April, 2022

The Chancellor has announced a new £25million fraud squad, after billions of pounds of taxpayer money was reportedly lost to Covid scammers.

Rishi Sunak will unveil the new Public Sector Fraud Authority, which will be up and running by July, doubling the Government’s central counter fraud capacity.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said, “We will chase down fraudsters who rip off the taxpayer. This elite fraud squad, backed by £25 million, will ensure the latest counter fraud techniques are being used to track down these criminals.”

“People are rightly furious that fraudsters took advantage of our vital Covid support schemes, and we are acting to make sure they pay the price.”

Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency, Jacob Rees-Mogg said, “Hardworking taxpayers must and will be protected. Anyone who tries to defraud the public purse will know that we as a government are coming for them and we are going to put them behind bars.”