SFO called in to investigate Harlequin Property - reports

Laura Miller
clock

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has been called in to investigate Harlequin Property, a UK-based overseas property sales agent that is not regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), according to reports.

Up to 3,000 Britons have poured up to £250m of their savings into the scheme run by Essex-based Harlequin Property, which has promised to build 6,000 luxury villas in St Lucia, St Vincent, Barbados and the Dominican Republic, but has so far only constructed 300, according to the Mail on Sunday. Arnhim Eustace, opposition leader in St Vincent, has now said that he understands the SFO has been called in to investigate the matter. Two building companies and seven individuals contacted him to say they were owed money by Harlequin. He told the Mail: "I appealed to Harlequin to pay them,...

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

Darius McDermott: Is income under pressure?

Darius McDermott: Is income under pressure?

‘The period of abundant income is ebbing'

Darius McDermott
clock 04 March 2026 • 5 min read
Investors told 'hold your nerve' as Iran strikes drive volatility

Investors told 'hold your nerve' as Iran strikes drive volatility

Ongoing conflict impact

Linus Uhlig
clock 02 March 2026 • 3 min read
Smoothed funds are back - but advisers need to look beneath the surface

Smoothed funds are back - but advisers need to look beneath the surface

Defaqto’s Mike Turner examines the smoothed funds backdrop, differences in propositions and what it means for adviser due diligence…

Mike Turner
clock 02 March 2026 • 4 min read