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.
On 30 September 2022, David Ames was sentenced to 12 years in prison and disqualified as a company director for the maximum term of 15 years.
Application to appeal conviction and sentence
In December 2023, Mr Ames’ was unsuccessful in appealing his conviction and sentence.
Following this failed appeal in December Mr Ames requested leave to appeal to the Supreme Court against his conviction and sentence. On 23 January 2024 his applications were refused.
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:
Page published on 20 Apr 2015 | Page modified on 12 Aug 2024