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

Rathbones brings together responsible investment in Centre of Excellence

Rathbones brings together responsible investment in Centre of Excellence

Combines ethical and sustainable research capabilities

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 29 May 2026 • 1 min read
Why active management matters more for income investors

Why active management matters more for income investors

Significant implications for advisers and investors relying on passive income strategies

Rory Sandilands
clock 29 May 2026 • 4 min read
Can the energy crisis power renewables past their headwinds?

Can the energy crisis power renewables past their headwinds?

Renewables continue to see headwinds

Ian Aylward
clock 28 May 2026 • 3 min read