Investment firm director charged over £10m 'Ponzi' scheme

Laura Miller
clock

An investment company director has been charged with fraud for running a 'Ponzi' scheme which lost investors £6m.

John Neil Hirst, director of Gilher Inc, a Panama and Seychelles registered company, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud and two counts of money laundering. Hirst targeted British nationals and other expatriates living in Mallorca, as well as investors in France and the USA, Bradford Magistrates Court heard today. Over £10m was obtained from investors via the 'Ponzi scheme' with losses believed to be around £6m, according to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). Hirst has been released on bail and will appear at Bradford Crown Court on 13 April. The SFO began inve...

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

Why 2026 is the time for investors to challenge market 'certainties'

Why 2026 is the time for investors to challenge market 'certainties'

Six critical questions investors should be asking themselves

Matthew Spencer
clock 09 February 2026 • 4 min read
Advisers zoomed in on capital accumulation in Q4 2025

Advisers zoomed in on capital accumulation in Q4 2025

Titan Square Mile research finds

Jen Frost
clock 30 January 2026 • 3 min read
Measure for measure: How to track your tracker fund

Measure for measure: How to track your tracker fund

Tracking difference and tracking error

Terry McGivern
clock 28 January 2026 • 3 min read