Fraudulent Claims: UK Business Risks

Jagoda Rubaszko, a 37-year-old from Northolt, was sentenced for fraud after creating a fake business to secure a £50,000 Covid Bounce Back Loan, which she transferred to Poland.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat fraudulent claims on government-backed financial support schemes.

Fraudulent Claims and Legal Consequences

The case of Jagoda Rubaszko underscores the risks associated with fraudulent claims on government-backed financial support schemes like the Bounce Back Loan.

These loans were crucial for UK businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. Rubaszko’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the legal consequences that await those who misuse such funds.

Her sentencing includes 18 months imprisonment suspended for 21 months, a six-month curfew, and 175 hours of unpaid work.

Implications for UK Businesses

• Highlights the importance of transparency in financial dealings
• Reinforces government commitment to detecting and penalizing fraud
• Aims to protect genuine businesses by ensuring funds are not misused
• May lead to increased scrutiny of loan applications
• Emphasizes cross-border cooperation in tackling financial crimes

The Role of International Cooperation

This case also brings attention to the international dimension of some Covid loan fraud cases. The transfer of funds to multiple bank accounts in Poland illustrates how fraudulent schemes can exploit cross-border financial systems.

This raises challenges for UK authorities in tracking and recovering funds transferred abroad, highlighting the need for enhanced international cooperation in financial crime enforcement.

Lessons from Past Events

The Bounce Back Loan Scheme was launched in May 2020 to provide fast financial support to UK SMEs during the pandemic. However, numerous investigations have uncovered fraud cases since then.

For instance, over 1,000 directors were disqualified for Covid loan abuse in 2024-25 alone. These cases reflect a pattern of abuse and demonstrate the government’s commitment to enforcement.

The Bottom Line

This case serves as a cautionary tale about the misuse of government support schemes and emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity in financial dealings.

As authorities continue their crackdown on fraudsters, it is crucial for businesses and individuals alike to adhere strictly to legal guidelines when applying for such loans.

Sources: UK Government, The Insolvency Service, and Antony Batty Legal Insights.

Prepared by Adolfo Benjamin Kunjuk, Founder of Adolfo Kunjuk News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.