Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Birmingham gang convicted for £2.5m Covid fraud

Their fraudulent activities spanned several support schemes such as Small Business Grants and the Eat Out to Help Out initiative.

Birmingham gang convicted for £2.5m Covid fraud

TWELVE members of an organised crime group from Birmingham, Walsall, and Yorkshire have been found guilty of defrauding over £2.5 million in Covid support grants through fraudulent claims.

The crime group exploited non-trading businesses and stolen identities to submit multiple Covid support claims, including Bounce Back Loans, HMRC payments, and various grants set up to assist struggling businesses and individuals during the pandemic.


The convicted were, Qirat Deeas, 50, of The Hurst, Moseley, Birmingham; Ummer Yousaf, 40, of Bent Avenue, Quinton; Usaamah Bin Taariq, 25, of The Hurst, Moseley; Zishan Ahmed, 30, of Higgins Lane, Quinton; Noah Deen, 31 of Wood End Road; Sajid Hussain, 36, of Flackwell Road; Naqeeb Shakurt, 26, of Springcroft Road; Harun Shehzad, 29, of City Road; Sameer Ali Mohammed, 34, of Waterfront Way, Walsall; Tasaddaq Hussain, 54, of Northfield Crescent, Bingley; Imaan Hussain, 24, of Northfield Crescent and Al-Harris Hussain, 29, of Thornbury Grove, Bingley.

All twelve were convicted, with ten sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday (6) at Birmingham Crown Court. Judge Roderick Henderson said, "This was a continuous and sophisticated fraud, exploiting the community during a national emergency. The haste in distributing funds meant that checks were minimal. These defendants took advantage of the situation and profited from it."

Their fraudulent activities spanned several support schemes such as Small Business Grants and the Eat Out to Help Out initiative.

The convictions followed two separate trials at Birmingham Crown Court, necessitated by the large number of defendants involved. Each of the 12 members either entered guilty pleas or were convicted after trial on charges including conspiracy to defraud and money laundering.

The group’s operations were described as a "well-planned, sophisticated, and sustained attack" on the financial support measures put in place by the UK government during the pandemic.

Mark Jackson and Lucinda Wilmott-Lascelles, prosecuting for Birmingham City Council, detailed how the group took advantage of the pandemic relief schemes by becoming directors of inactive companies or using stolen identities to submit fraudulent applications for funds.

They established numerous bank accounts and recruited others to use their accounts in exchange for payments, which were subsequently laundered through a complex network, including accounts in the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.

The crime group was responsible for submitting fraudulent applications for at least 53 Small Business Grant Funds valued at over £530,000 across five local authorities. They also accessed public funds via HMRC Self-Assessment and Eat Out To Help Out payments totalling more than £530,000, and obtained at least 26 Bounce Back Loans totalling over £1.3m from seven banks.

The court heard that the group used more than 50 companies and over 100 different bank accounts as part of their fraud and money laundering operation.

The investigation into the group’s activities began in 2020 when Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards service started looking into large-scale misuse of the Small Business Grant Funds. As the investigation progressed, evidence emerged indicating the defendants were working as part of an organised crime group. The investigation was supported by West Midlands Police.

Cllr Sam Forsyth, chair of Birmingham City Council’s licensing and public protection committee, condemned the crime as “wicked during a national emergency.”

Forsyth stressed that while many were struggling during the pandemic, these individuals saw an opportunity to exploit the system for personal gain. “These convictions should serve as a strong warning that if you engage in such behaviour, you will be caught and held accountable,” Forsyth said. “The investigation was complex and lengthy, and I extend my thanks to everyone who played a role in bringing these criminals to justice.”

Cllr John Cotton, leader of the city council, described the attempt to defraud taxpayers as “abhorrent.” He praised the efforts of council officers and partners who worked tirelessly to bring the criminals to justice.

“Attempting to deprive others of vital funds during a global pandemic is unforgivable,” Cotton said. “These convictions make it clear that such behaviour will not go unpunished.”

The gang were convicted and sentenced as follows:

Qirat Deeas admitted two counts of conspiracy to defraud and two counts of money laundering. He was sentenced to seven years and seven months.

Ummer Yousaf was found guilty of two counts of conspiracy to defraud, two counts of money laundering, and failing to comply with a RIPA notice. He received an eight-year sentence.

Sajid Hussain admitted two counts of conspiracy to defraud and one count of money laundering. He was sentenced to five years.

Sameer Mohammed admitted two counts of conspiracy to defraud and one count of money laundering. His sentence was four years and nine months.

Noah Deen pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to defraud and one count of money laundering. He was sentenced to five years and three months.

Usaamah Bin Taariq admitted two counts of conspiracy to defraud and one count of money laundering. He was sentenced to four years.

Tassadaq Hussain admitted one count each of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. He was sentenced to four years and nine months.

Imaan Hussain admitted two counts of conspiracy to defraud and one count of money laundering. He received a four-year and nine-month sentence.

Naqeeb Shakurt admitted two counts of conspiracy to defraud and one count of money laundering. His sentence was four years and nine months.

Al-Harris Hussain was found guilty of one count of money laundering and sentenced to two years suspended for two years.

Zishan Ahmed and Harun Shehzad both admitted two counts of conspiracy to defraud and one count of money laundering. Their sentencing will take place at a later date.

More For You

Cyberpunk Edgerunners Season 2

New standalone story with fresh characters and darker themes

YouTube/ Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk Edgerunners season 2 confirmed with darker, bloodier storyline

Key points

  • Netflix announces Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 at Anime Expo 2025
  • New standalone story with fresh characters and darker themes
  • Directed by Kai Ikarashi, known for episode six of season one
  • Showrunner promises more violence, emotional depth, and realism
  • Trailer expected to be released during Studio Trigger panel

New season revealed at Anime Expo 2025

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 has officially been announced by Netflix and CD Projekt Red during the Anime Expo 2025 event. The follow-up to the hit anime spinoff of Cyberpunk 2077 will feature a completely new storyline and characters, while retaining the series’ distinctive raw and emotional tone.

Keep ReadingShow less
Aaradhya Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan says Aishwarya Rai is fully responsible for Aaradhya’s upbringing

Getty Images

Abhishek Bachchan praises Aishwarya Rai for raising Aaradhya without phone or social media

Quick highlights:

  • Abhishek Bachchan credits Aishwarya Rai for taking the lead in daughter Aaradhya’s upbringing.
  • Says Aaradhya, now 13, has no phone and stays away from social media.
  • Calls Aishwarya “selfless” for prioritising parenting over everything else.
  • Slams online gossip surrounding their marriage as baseless and insensitive.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan has dismissed recent speculation around his marriage with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, instead shining a light on her unwavering dedication as a mother. In a recent chat, he spoke warmly about their 13-year-old daughter Aaradhya, revealing that she neither owns a mobile phone nor uses social media, something he attributes to Aishwarya’s hands-on parenting.

 Aaradhya Bachchan  Aaradhya Bachchan has no access to social media or a personal phoneGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Nintendo Switch 2 demand exceeds

To address the ongoing demand, Nintendo is working to increase production

iStock

Nintendo Switch 2 demand exceeds supply globally, says company president

Key points

  • Nintendo Switch 2 demand outstripping supply in several countries
  • Over 2.2 million applications submitted in Japan’s lottery sales
  • Nintendo held four purchase draws, with a fifth scheduled for early July
  • Company aims to strengthen production and supply to meet demand
  • Switch 2 had the biggest launch in Nintendo history

Strong demand leads to shortages

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has confirmed that demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 has surpassed available supply in many regions. Speaking during the Q&A session of the company’s 85th annual general meeting of shareholders, Furukawa addressed concerns about ongoing stock shortages.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh in a still from Lootera that captured his most restrained performance

Twelve years of 'Lootera': 5 reasons Ranveer Singh’s most understated role still holds up

Quick highlights:

  • Ranveer’s subtle performance in Lootera marked a major shift from his usual high-energy roles.
  • The 1950s-set romantic drama became a career milestone for the actor.
  • His restrained, emotionally complex portrayal earned long-term critical acclaim.
  • The film showcased a successful collaboration with director Vikramaditya Motwane.
  • As Dhurandhar builds buzz, Lootera reminds us of Ranveer’s range.

Twelve years ago, Ranveer Singh surprised audiences with Lootera, a period romance that asked him to do something unfamiliar: stay still. Set in 1950s Bengal and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film gave Ranveer the space to deliver one of his most subdued and mature performances. No outbursts. No spectacle. Just quiet heartbreak.

  Lootera released in 2013 and marked a stylistic shift for Ranveer Singh Prime Video  

Keep ReadingShow less
Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches

The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches

iStock

Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches after 20 years

Key points

  • Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
  • The chain made the announcement via social media
  • Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
  • Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments

All branches are permanently closed

Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.

Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.

Keep ReadingShow less