Harlequin Group
Summary
On 17 February 2017, the SFO charged David Ames, chairman of the Harlequin Group of companies, with three counts of Fraud by Abuse of Position, contrary to sections 1 and 4 of the Fraud Act 2006. The charges were brought in relation to activity which occurred between January 2010 and June 2015. Two of the counts were predicated in the alternative, meaning Ames could only be found guilty of either Count 1 or Count 2.
On 3 August 2022, following a 12 week trial at Southwark Crown Court, the jury returned a unanimous verdict, finding David Ames guilty of two counts of fraud by abuse of position, for criminality spanning 1 January 2010 to 11 June 2015. Ames will be sentenced on 30 September 2022.
On 30 September, David Ames was sentenced to 12 years in prison and disqualified as a company director for the maximum term of 15 years.
Application for permission to appeal against conviction and sentence
Mr Ames’ renewed application for permission to appeal his 12 year sentence was granted by the Court of Appeal on the 20 June 2023. The appeal is to be listed in due course.
Details for investors
If you paid money to Harlequin during the period 1 January 2010 to 11 June 2015, you are considered a victim of the Harlequin investment scheme. You do not need to register with us as we are already in possession of Harlequin’s list of investors. Any confiscation/compensation sought will automatically consider you.
However, if you invested with Harlequin outside these dates, you may still be eligible for compensation via the Financial Services Compensation Service (FSCS) if your investment was via a Self-Invested Personal Pension following advice from a registered Independent Financial Advisor (IFA). In addition, if you believe that you were deliberately misled by your IFA, you may wish to contact the FCA, who as the Regulatory body which deals with IFAs.
Their details are:
Tudalen wedi ei chyhoeddi ar 20 Ebr 2015 | Tudalen wedi ei haddasu ar 26 Meh 2023