Anti-fraud squad to target Covid crooks with powers to seize cash and raid properties
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A counter-fraud squad will be given power to raid the properties of Covid crooks and recover taxpayers’ cash from their bank accounts. Ministers will put fraudsters on notice as new legislation is introduced to Parliament today to double the time limit for civil claims from six to 12 years. The Cabinet Office’s Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) will be given more powers, which will apply retrospectively, including the ability to raid properties and retrieve money from fraudsters' bank accounts in the most serious cases.
It comes after the Government appointed a new Covid corruption commissioner last month, who will review the £8.7billion of PPE bought during the pandemic that then had to be written off. He is also expected to look at the Tory government's decision to abandon attempts to claw back money from deals worth £674million.
Cabinet Office Minister Georgia Gould said: “During the pandemic, when people and businesses needed government support the most, some people stole public money for their own personal gain. "This legislation gives the government tough new powers that can be used to investigate and recover money stolen from the public during Covid and doubles the time we have to bring fraudsters to justice.”.
The changes will come in the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error & Recovery) Bill, which will also contain measures to combat benefit cheats. Welfare fraudsters could be stripped of their driving licences if they repeatedly fail to reimburse the public and repay their debt.
