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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Jasper Jolly and Kalyeena Makortoff

Covid fraud: how bounce back loans paid for cars, watches and even porn

Advertising for the Treasury’s bounce back loans scheme, which was widely exploited.
Advertising for the Treasury’s bounce back loans scheme, which was widely exploited. Photograph: HM Government

When Keith Hamblett, a fruit and vegetable seller from Tyne and Wear, asked his bank for a government-backed loan in the autumn of 2020, the economy was still in trouble after lockdowns, and coronavirus cases were rising.

The Covid bounce back loan scheme was a welcome relief for many smaller companies, and Hamblett received £28,000.

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