Three more charged in £10m 'Ponzi' investigation

Three individuals have been charged as part of a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation into an alleged £10m 'Ponzi' scheme.

The scheme, run by Gilher Inc, targeted British nationals and other expatriates living in Mallorca, as well as individuals in France and the USA. Over £10m was obtained from investors, with losses believed to be around £6m.

Daniel Hirst, Linda Christine Hirst and Zoe Waite all appeared before Bradford Magistrates Court in response to a summons in connection with the alleged fraudulent investment scheme and were charged with offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

The SFO began its investigation into Gilher Inc, a Panama and Seychelles registered company operated by John Neil Hirst, in November 2009 following complaints from investors.

John Neil Hirst himself was charged on 16 March 2011 with money laundering offences in relation to running the scheme.

The investigation has been conducted with the assistance of West Yorkshire and Surrey police forces, as well as overseas law enforcement authorities. The involvement of other suspects is still being investigated.