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

Investors move from cash to US equities as confidence improves

Investors move from cash to US equities as confidence improves

Investment Association figures show

clock 05 June 2026 • 3 min read
The active funds beating the MSCI World for the past decade

The active funds beating the MSCI World for the past decade

'The next decade could be very different'

Darius McDermott
clock 04 June 2026 • 5 min read
Commodity allocations in a volatile landscape

Commodity allocations in a volatile landscape

'Currency dynamics are also becoming more significant'

Rob Gleeson
clock 03 June 2026 • 4 min read