Full Breakdown
Former Councillor Convicted Over Fraudulent Covid-19 Testing Lab
By Drooid · · How we work
Conviction and Charges
A former Calderdale councillor, Faisal Shoukat, was found guilty at Bradford Crown Court of causing public nuisance, fraudulent trading and money-laundering after operating a bogus coronavirus testing operation. The jury’s deliberations were disrupted when a juror was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to pervert the course of justice. Four co-defendants—including former justice minister Shahid Malik, Lynn Connell, Paul Moore and Dr Alexander Zarneh—were cleared of all charges.
Background of RT Diagnostics
RT Diagnostics was launched in March 2021 after the UK government invited private firms to expand testing capacity, including “Fit-to-Fly” services. Shoukat and Malik were listed as directors of the Halifax-based company. Prosecutors described Shoukat, then a 39-year-old Labour councillor, as the “controlling mind” of the business.
Court Findings and Test Statistics
The court heard that test kits sourced from Turkey failed to meet UK standards. Over a three-month period from May to July 2021, the lab reported 138,738 tests, of which only 45 returned positive, 123,058 negative and one indeterminate result—figures described as “suspiciously low” by the prosecution.
Official Response and Judicial Criticism
His Honour Judge Chris Smith criticised a “catalogue of systemic failures” at the firm, stating that profit was placed ahead of professionalism and public safety. The judge’s remarks underscored the court’s view that the operation prioritized financial gain over reliable health services.
Implications for Public-Health Oversight
The conviction highlights vulnerabilities in the rapid expansion of private testing during the pandemic and raises questions about regulatory oversight of such enterprises. Authorities may reassess vetting procedures for private providers to safeguard public health and restore confidence in testing services.