Tough Restrictions for Sheffield Hairdresser and Baker Who Falsely Claimed £98,000 in Covid Loans
Published: 24th January 2025 11:51
A Sheffield hairdresser and baker have been handed tough restrictions after falsely claiming almost £100,000 in Covid loans.
Natasha Anne Graves, 40, of Broomhill, claimed £57,000 in bounce back loans for her hairdressing and beauty business, About Hair and Beauty, and a further £41,000 for her bakery business, Sweet Tooth Sheffield.
However, investigations by the Insolvency Service found that Graves had knowingly submitted false information to obtain the loans.
She has now been banned from being a company director for 14 years and will be subject to restrictions on her financial activities.
Paul Appleton, Chief Investigator for the Insolvency Service, said: “Natasha Graves abused the government’s Covid support schemes for her own personal gain. She knowingly provided false information to obtain bounce back loans for businesses that were not eligible.
“The restrictions we have imposed will ensure that Graves is held to account for her actions and prevented from causing further harm to others.”
The Insolvency Service’s investigation found that Graves had submitted false information about her businesses’ turnover and profitability to obtain the loans. She also used the money for personal expenses, including a luxury holiday to Dubai.
Graves admitted to the false claims and has since repaid the majority of the money she fraudulently obtained.
The restrictions imposed on Graves include:
- A ban on being a company director for 14 years
- A restriction on obtaining credit of more than £500 without disclosing her disqualification
- A requirement to obtain the Insolvency Service’s permission before she can act as a company director again
The Insolvency Service is continuing to investigate other cases of Covid loan fraud. Anyone who suspects that someone is abusing the government’s support schemes should report it to the Insolvency Service.
Tough restrictions for Sheffield hairdresser and baker who falsely claimed £98,000 in Covid loans
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