Capital Economy, Business and Finance
Ever tried to book a table at Dishoomm, Ottolenghii or Basilicoo? It’s impossible – because they don’t exist. These are among hundreds of fake restaurant names that have appeared on the UK’s register of companies since the beginning of the year, often with minor changes to distinguish them from the original (for example 98 used the spelling restaurantt). Graham Barrow, an expert who investigates fraud on the Companies House register, estimates there may be “well over 750” such companies, likely set up by criminals using the information to open bank accounts. Whoever is behind the trend has also stolen identities currently listed as officers on the government-run register: Dawid Szyszka, a lawyer based in Poland, has his name on no less than 71 companies supposedly located around the UK. Searches for other officers named on multiple companies bring up the names of two people recently deceased and a man currently serving prison time in Scotland. Some restaurants are aware of the issue – but others Tortoise contacted were surprised. One thing is clear: Companies House is a mess that needs fixing.