Two IFAs appear in court over multi-million pound fraud

Charged in April, court proceedings have started

Jenna Towler
clock • 1 min read

Two Norfolk-based IFAs have appeared before magistrates after being charged with a total of 14 offences linked to a multi-million pound fraud.

Alan Taylor, 36, of Norwich, has been charged in connection with seven offences including fraud and conspiracy to defraud and fraud by abuse of position.

Russell Taylor, 35, of Witton, has been charged with seven separate counts fraud including conspiracy to defraud and fraud by abuse of position.

Both men were charged with the offences in April and appeared before Norwich Magistrates' Court on 24 June.

Norfolk Police said the charges relate to the handling of investments between their businesses, namely Taylor and Taylor Associates, based in Hoveton, and Vantage Investment Group, between January 2008 and July 2015.

Police said: "Investigations have revealed so far that the fraud charges are likely to run into millions of pounds."

Taylor and Taylor Associates is no longer authorised, according to the Financial Conduct Authority's register.

Vantage Investment Group remains authorised but has applied to cancel. The register stated: "This is a firm that has applied to cancel its authorisation but has to continue to meet our standards in dealing with its customers."

The pair, reported to be brothers, were charged following an investigation by officers from the Eastern Region Specialist Operations Unit.

They are due to appear at Norwich Crown Court next month.

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