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Ponzi fraud suspect charged

25 September, 2014 | News Releases

David Gerald Dixon, a suspect in a joint investigation by the Serious Fraud Office and Hampshire Constabulary following the collapse of Arboretum Sports (UK) Limited, has appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ court today on thirteen multi-million pound fraud-related charges.

Mr Dixon has been remanded in custody and will appear before Southwark Crown Court on 9 October 2014.

Notes to editors:

  1. Arboretum Sports (UK) Limited went into liquidation in 2007. The alleged conduct took place between January 2004 and December 2010 – the charges include:
    • Four charges of contravening the general prohibition on carrying on a regulated activity contrary to sections 19 and 23 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000;
    • Dishonestly concealing a material fact, contrary to section 397(1) and (2) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
    • Three charges of making a statement, promise or forecast known to be materially misleading, false or deceptive, contrary to section 397(1) and (2) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
    • Fraud by false representation, contrary to section 1(1) and section (2) of the Fraud Act 2006
    • Two charges of converting criminal property, contrary to section 327(1)(c) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
    • Removing criminal property, contrary to section 327(1)(e) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
    • Fraudulent trading, contrary to section 993(1) of the Companies Act 2006
  2. John Hardy QC was instructed by the SFO in proceedings today.
  3. As proceedings are now underway, the strict liability rule in the Contempt of Court Act 1981 now applies. See guidance.

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