Three men were charged with conspiracy to defraud, deception and money laundering offences yesterday at City of London Magistrates Court. This followed searches announced yesterday at 19 properties throughout England.
The following were charged with money laundering, conspiracy to defraud and deception:-
Edward Ormus Sharington Davenport [dob 11 July 1966]
Martin Peter Riley [dob 1 January 1947]
David Martin Layard Horsfall [dob 9 August 1955]
Their next court appearance is 2 February 2010 at Southwark Crown Court.
Three others, two men and one woman were also arrested and released without charge although one (a male) was bailed until 12 January 2010.
Enquiries are being extended to cover allegations of rent fraud. This involved Gresham Limited leasing a building for several years, obtaining a rent free period in the process. They then sublet the premises and failed to pay rent as agreed to the owner.
Background
This investigation arose from complaints made by victims to the local Police and the Serious Fraud Office. The searches were conducted with the assistance of the City of London and Cheshire Police. The location of potential victims is believed to be in Austria, Turkey, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Dubai and others. The estimated value of the suspected fraud identified so far is approximately £12M.
The Serious Fraud Office would like victims to come forward and assist with its investigation by contacting us on telephone number 0207 239 7079.
Notes for editors:
1. For background web link to yesterday's press release on searches.
2. Gresham Finance (London) Ltd is not to be confused with Gresham Finance Ltd, which is an unconnected company and not under investigation.
3. Castlereagh London Ltd is not to be confused with Castlereagh Ltd of Dublin, which is an unconnected company and not under investigation.
4. Trust is not to be confused with Alliance Trust PLC, the FTSE 100 investment trust, which is an unconnected company and not under investigation.
Serious Fraud Office, Elm House, 10-16 Elm Street, London, WC1X 0BJ
Press Office tel: 020 7239 7001/7045/7000/7004 or mobile: 0781 807 6688
Main switchboard tel: 020 7239 7272
press.office@sfo.gsi.gov.uk - or via - www.sfo.gov.uk
