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4 November 2021 | Comment | Article by Neil Stockdale

The Serious Fraud Office investigate the Alpha and Green Park property companies


Blog written by Angharad Phillips | Trainee Solicitor, Financial Mis-selling

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is investigating the Alpha and Green Park group of property companies in relation to suspected fraud and money laundering.

The SFO suspects the Alpha-branded companies are fraudulently misleading investors into purchasing leaseholds for student accommodation in Leicestershire, Lancashire, Staffordshire and West Yorkshire. The Green Park-branded companies are suspected to be part of a similar scheme to sell leaseholds for holiday accommodation in Devon.

The companies sold investments in leasehold units between 2014 and 2019, promising investors returns of between 8 and 10 percent over the first ten years. Over 1,500 investors from around 50 different countries invested an estimated £150m into the leasehold schemes on the back of these guaranteed returns, but all stopped receiving these in 2018. Meanwhile, the directors of the company are thought to have made £20m from the leasehold schemes.

Following a six month covert investigation, the SFO carried out co-ordinated raids, interviews and mandatory requests for evidence across the country on 29 September 2021. It carried out formal searches on multiple properties, arresting and interviewing one suspect with Cleveland Police. The SFO also issued several Section 2 notices, which force companies to provide relevant information.

SFO investigators will contact UK-based investors and ask them to fill out a questionnaire by 30 November 2021 to help ‘identify and pursue new information and continue progressing the investigation as quickly as possible’.

If you invested in Alpha student accommodation or Green Park holiday property you could have a claim for compensation against your professional advisors. Contact our Financial Mis-Selling Team today for a free consultation.

Author bio

Neil Stockdale

Partner

Neil is head of the firm’s group actions and financial mis-selling teams, specialising in handling claims for financial mis-selling relating to energy contracts, pensions, investments and timeshares.

Disclaimer: The information on the Hugh James website is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such. If you would like to ensure the commentary reflects current legislation, case law or best practice, please contact the blog author.

 

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