Why choose our investment fraud solicitors?
Whether you are being investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or you are facing criminal charges for pyramid scheme fraud, then you will need to have legal representation from the start. At Stephensons, we have an experienced team of expert investment fraud solicitors, who can assist you at every stage of an investigation or prosecution. As a full-service nationwide legal firm, we can draw on a wide pool of experts, such as experienced barristers and QCs who specialise in this area. We also take a proactive stance in the defence of all our clients; this is why we are ranked as a tier one fraud firm by the Legal 500.
If you are facing false accusations of pyramid schemes fraud, we will work hard with you to defend your reputation and manage any possible negative publicity that may result for you or your business.
It is important to have an investment fraud solicitor at your side as soon as you face investigation. Typically, investment fraud cases may also be subject to a police investigation and if you are interviewed under caution, what is said can be used as evidence if charged. This means it's vital that you have legal advice from an experienced solicitor. As investment cases tend to be complex, there is not a typical length of time that a case will take; many such cases can take years to conclude.
If you are being investigated or are facing charges for pyramid scheme fraud, then contact our expert solicitors today on 01616 966 229.
What is a pyramid scheme and why is it illegal?
A pyramid scheme is very similar in nature to a Ponzi scheme but uses the investors themselves to recruit new investors into the scheme. There is usually a seemingly credible business and the more recruits that join in, the more payments are made. Each time the originator also gets a cut. Each new recruit is offered huge benefits if the scheme is expanded. The flaw is there is no end benefit. Only the originator, at the top of the pyramid, gets any significant benefit and as the layers of the pyramid get wider, the amount of benefit decreases until those at the bottom end up losing their entire ‘investment'.
When the pyramid scheme collapses, it may well look to those investigating, with the benefit of hindsight, that all of those people along the way were knowingly involved in this fraud. However, this is certainly not always the case. It’s important to robustly defend yourself against these allegations because a vital element that the prosecution has to prove is ‘dishonesty'. If you acted honestly in these transactions, then you need specialist help to ensure that your defence is advanced in a pro-active way.
Our experienced team of fraud lawyers has the expertise and knowledge to build a robust case to defend you. Contact our expert fraud solicitors on 01616 966 229 or complete our online enquiry form.
What is the sentencing for investment fraud such as pyramid scheme fraud?
As investment fraud crimes are generally complex cases, the sentencing guidelines for them are also complex and the type and level of sentence expected will depend and several factors such as:
- Culpability – the person's role within the fraud
- The level of actual or potential harm caused to the victim
- The type of investment crime
- The impact of the crime on the victim(s) and how it has affected their lives
- Whether or not a guilty plea has been submitted
- Previous convictions
- Mental health issues
The penalties for investment crime, such as pyramid scheme fraud, can vary, depending on the particulars of the case and the individual’s involvement. Here is what can be expected if found guilty of such as crime:
- Custodial sentence – this can be from six months to ten years in prison and in some circumstances, a suspended sentence may be handed down
- Disqualification from being a company director
- A substantial fine
- Confiscation order – this means any proceeds from the crime will be confiscated and may be used to compensate victims
- Community orders
For expert legal advice and representation for pyramid investment fraud, contact our expert investment fraud lawyers today.
