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Found this article elsewhere - hope it's ok to post here as though it might be an interesting post [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

The UK Serious Fraud Office would like to hear from any Bulgarians who have been lured into paying for costs of due diligence or advance fees in respect of commercial loans which did not materialise or who otherwise have knowledge that would be useful to the SFO in its investigation. The number to call is 0207 239 7079. The names of the suspect firms are in the second Press release below.

[url=http:
//www.
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[url=http:
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Here's one of the accused (the gentleman on the right) in happier days at the Bulgarian Embassy. He was remanded in custody. It remains to be seen whether the charges will be proved in court.

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Oddy

I read today that one of them had been charged here is the information from Novinite

Three men, including an English Lord, have been charged with conspiracy to defraud, deception and money laundering offences involving properties in Bulgaria.

The charges were made at the City of London Magistrates Court following police searches at 19 properties throughout England.

The following were charged with money laundering, conspiracy to defraud and deception:-

Lord Edward Davenport, Martin Riley and David Horsfall will appear in court on 2 February 2010 at Southwark Crown Court, UK after their company Gresham Limited was alleged to be involved with serious propert fraud. This investigation arose from complaints made by victims to the local Police and the UK Serious Fraud Office.

The location of potential victims is believed to be in Austria, Turkey, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Dubai and others. The estimated value of the suspected fraud identified so far is approximately GBP 12 M.

Operating as Gresham Ltd the men allegedly offered commercial loans of up to GBP 250 M. It promoted its services by advertising in newspapers, magazines and on the internet. Applicants for loans were charged between five and fifty thousand GBP for a due diligence check, but the loans were never paid and the checks were not refunded.

The UK Serious Fraud Office would like victims to come forward and assist with its investigation by contacting them on telephone number (00 44) 0207 239 7079.

sarah