SFO Harlequin probe 'ongoing' as investors pursue IFAs

Laura Miller
clock

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has said it, together with Essex Police, is continuing to investigate complaints into troubled overseas property company Harlequin.

The SFO first began looking into Harlequin - into which investors have poured about £400m - in March, following complaints received from members of the public. It asked investors to complete an online questionnaire detailing when the off-plan properties they had purchased through Harlequin were due to be completed, and, if the target date has elapsed, the reason given. Crucially for advisers, the SFO also wanted to know who had introduced the investors to Harlequin, whether it was a sales agent, financial adviser, or someone else. In the months since the SFO launched its investigat...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

'Fundamental shift': Why transparent investing really matters

'Fundamental shift': Why transparent investing really matters

‘There needs to be a concerted shift towards greater openness’

Simon Camilleri
clock 18 March 2024 • 4 min read
Partner Insight: Passive and active — the case for both

Partner Insight: Passive and active — the case for both

Invesco
clock 18 March 2024 • 4 min read
Future of Investment Festival: Secure your place for June now

Future of Investment Festival: Secure your place for June now

A look at how to take advantage of global megatrends

Professional Adviser
clock 11 March 2024 • 2 min read