Ex-Councillor Jailed for Covid Relief Cash Scam
Mohammed Ikram, 36, from Keighley, has been locked up for ripping off thousands from the government’s Covid-19 support schemes. The former Keighley Town Councillor used his café, takeaway, and a string of fake food outlets to claim tens of thousands in fraudulent payouts.
Fake Food Outlets, Real Fraud
Ikram ran Khan’s Café and Chai Point in Keighley but also created seven bogus businesses using stolen company details. Between 7 August and 6 September 2020, he submitted 19 false claims worth £434,073 under the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. He pocketed £189,208 before HMRC blocked the rest and launched an investigation.
HMRC Cracks Down on Covid Cheats
Simon York, Director of HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, condemned the scam. He said:
“This was a blatant fraud by somebody who held a position of trust and responsibility. These schemes were designed to support individuals and businesses during a terribly difficult period. Instead, Mohammed Ikram stole money which should have been paying for vital public services and helping those who needed it most.”
“This is the first conviction of Covid scheme fraud by HMRC, but we have arrested 70 people and have cases ongoing. We’ve stopped or recovered over £1.2 billion already, and our work continues.”
Sentenced to 2½ Years Behind Bars
Ikram pleaded guilty in June 2022 to cheating the public revenue, fraud by false representation, and money laundering. Today at Bradford Crown Court, he was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison. Authorities have now launched action to recover the stolen funds.
