A former restaurant owner in Staffordshire has been banned from serving as a company director for 12 years after fraudulently claiming funds from two Covid-19 support schemes in 2020.
Belal Ahmed, 59, of Hall Road, Smethwick, was found guilty of abusing the UK Government’s Eat Out to Help Out Scheme and the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, securing nearly £50,000 more than his restaurant, Bengal Tandoori Lichfield Limited, was entitled to receive.
An investigation by the Insolvency Service revealed that Ahmed had made false statements to obtain the funds during the pandemic, when financial aid was made available to support businesses struggling with restrictions and reduced footfall.
The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme, which aimed to encourage dining out by offering discounts subsidized by the government, was exploited by Ahmed through inflated claims. Additionally, he misused the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, designed to provide financial assistance to small and medium-sized businesses, by overstating his business’s financial need.
Following the investigation, Ahmed’s conduct was deemed serious enough to warrant a 12-year disqualification from acting as a company director. This ruling prevents him from managing, promoting, or being involved in the formation or running of any company during the disqualification period.
A spokesperson for the Insolvency Service said, “This case serves as a reminder that those who seek to exploit government support schemes for personal gain will face significant consequences. Fraudulent activity undermines the integrity of these schemes and deprives genuine businesses of much-needed support.
The disqualification highlights the government’s commitment to cracking down on individuals and companies attempting to defraud pandemic relief programs. Ahmed’s restaurant, Bengal Tandoori Lichfield Limited, has since ceased trading.
Authorities have urged businesses to ensure their claims for support funds are accurate and legitimate, warning that further investigations into fraudulent claims are ongoing.
