Three individuals have today appeared before Bradford Magistrates Court in response to a summons in connection with an alleged fraudulent investment scheme. The scheme targeted British nationals and other expatriates living in Mallorca, as well as investors in France and the USA. Over £10m was obtained from investors with losses believed to be around £6 million.
Daniel Hirst (D.O.B 11/09/76) of West Yorkshire; Linda Christine Hirst (D.O.B 24/10/49) of Surrey and Zoe Waite (D.O.B 19/09/75) of Surrey were charged with offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
This follows the charging of John Neil Hirst (D.O.B 11/03/51) on 16 March 2011 with Conspiracy to Defraud and Money Laundering offences. [See note 2]
Background
Gilher Inc was a Panama and Seychelles registered company, operated by John Hirst, which invested funds on behalf of private clients. The investigation, which started in November 2009 following complaints made to the SFO by investors, has been conducted with the assistance of West Yorkshire and Surrey police forces and overseas law enforcement authorities. The involvement of other suspects is still being investigated.
Notes:
- The Serious Fraud Office is a government department responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious and complex fraud. The SFO is headed by the Director (Richard Alderman) who exercises powers under the superintendence of the Attorney General. These powers are derived from the Criminal Justice Act (1987).
- John Neil Hirst was charged on 16 March 2011 with Money Laundering and Conspiracy to Defraud offences in relation to running the Ponzi scheme.
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