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Balli Group

 

In September 2022, the SFO charged four individuals with various fraud offences in relation to the activities of Balli Group Plc and Balli Steel Plc.

Nasser Alaghband and David Spriddell were each charged with two counts of fraudulent trading in the carrying on of the businesses of Balli Steel Plc and Balli Group Plc with the intent of defrauding creditors. Nasser Alaghband was additionally charged with six counts of conspiracy to defraud various financial institutions.

Louise Worsell and Melis Erda, executives at the company, were both charged with one count of fraudulent trading in the carrying on of the businesses of Balli Steel Plc with the intent of defrauding creditors. Erda was also charged with six counts of conspiracy to defraud various financial institutions, and Louise Worsell with five counts of the same charge.

In October 2022, the SFO charged Vahid Alaghband with two counts of fraudulent trading in the carrying on of the businesses of Balli Steel Plc and Balli Group Plc with the intent of defrauding creditors and one count of conspiracy to defraud the Development Bank of Singapore Limited.

In February 2023, following a 20-week trial, the SFO secured the convictions of Louise Worsell and Melis Erda on multiple counts of conspiracy to defraud. Nasser Alaghband had pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading prior to the trial.

In April 2023, Nasser Alaghband was sentenced to six and a half years in prison, while Louise Worsell and Melis Erda were sentenced to over three years each in prison.

In June 2023, the SFO obtained a Nolle Prosequi for Vahid Alaghband from the Attorney General, meaning he will no longer be prosecuted.

Page published on 3 May 2017 | Page modified on 2 Aug 2023