Restaurant owner claimed CHF250k in covid loans

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 06:30

A restaurant owner in canton Lucerne is in court accused of fraud. During the pandemic, he claimed CHF 250,000 in emergency loans.

The prosecution claims he made up his turnover figures and said he had more staff than he actually did.

They described it as the biggest covid fraud in the canton.

The 53-year-old says he miscalculated. He’s been ordered to pay back the money, but is claiming bankruptcy.

The prosecution is demanding 3 and a half years in prison and then deportation, as the man is an Italian national. Although he’s lived in Switzerland his whole life.

The trial continues.

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