Six people appeared at Macclesfield Magistrates' Court today, charged with fraud offences relating to the financial statements of SSL International plc ("SSL") for the twenty-five months ending in March 2000. The company's accounts were restated in June 2001.
The case arises out of an internal investigation conducted by SSL in 2001 following which suspected fraud was referred to the SFO who commenced a criminal investigation, in conjunction with the Cheshire Constabulary, in July 2001. SSL has co-operated fully with the investigating authorities throughout the inquiry. Neither SSL nor any of its present employees are to be subject to criminal proceedings.
Five of the defendants are former executives of SSL. Their association with the company ended in 2001. The sixth defendant was an executive of AAH Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a customer of SSL.
The persons charged, and indicating their former positions, are:
- Iain Charles Douglas Cater (51), group chief executive of SSL.
- Dieno George (47), ultimately the Continental Europe managing director of SSL.
- Paul Anthony Sanders (39), group finance director of SSL.
- Christine Ann Davenport (37), UK finance director of SSL.
- Brian James John Ruane (45), UK sales director of SSL.
- Colin Francis Wilson (60), purchasing director of AAH Pharmaceuticals.
The charges are:
- False statements by company directors, contrary to the Theft Act 1968. Applies to defendants 1 to 5 above inclusive.
- Corruption, contrary to the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906. Applies to defendants 4, 5 and 6.
The case is to be transferred to a Crown Court for trial at a date to be fixed.
The defendants have been released on bail.
END
Serious Fraud Office
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