Delivery Driver Cheats Covid-19 Support £20k & Splurges on Drugs, Gambling and Renovations
Fraudster Rakes in Over £20,000 from Bounce Back Loan Scheme
Amraiz Mahmood, 31, a delivery driver from High Wycombe, snagged more than £20,000 in Covid relief funds by faking his earnings. Claiming a 2019 turnover of £81,000, Mahmood blew taxpayers’ cash — but records showed he earned just £15,018.
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme was meant to help small businesses during the pandemic, but Mahmood instead threw most of the cash on drugs, gambling, and pricey home renovations.
More Loans, More Lies: £40k Withdrawn Before Bankruptcy
- Just before filing for bankruptcy in May 2021, Mahmood grabbed another £25,000 non-Covid loan.
- He then withdrew almost £40,000 in cash, claiming urgent home renovations.
- But the official invoices were dated after his bankruptcy filing — a clear cover-up.
- Despite holding tens of thousands in cash, Mahmood declared only £100 in assets while owing over £200,000.
Caught Out & Sentenced: Suspended Jail & Curfew
At High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on 21 February, Mahmood pleaded guilty to fraud and asset concealment. He got a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, plus a strict 12-month curfew from 9pm to 7:45am, enforced by an electronic tag.
“Mahmood hugely inflated his turnover to steal taxpayer money he didn’t deserve,” said Mark Stephens, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service. “These loans were to support businesses through the pandemic, not fund drugs or gambling.”
Crackdown Continues: Insolvency Service Recovers Stolen Cash
Mahmood also signed an eight-year Bankruptcy Restrictions Undertaking restricting him from borrowing over £500 without revealing his bankrupt status.
The Insolvency Service is now working hard to claw back the stolen Covid loan funds. This case marks a clear warning: fraudsters exploiting taxpayer-funded Covid schemes will be caught and punished.
