Operation Cotton: FCA Eyes Appeal after Trial Thrown out on Cameron Brother's Criticism

The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed that it is considering an appeal against judge Anthony Leonard QC's decision to throw out a major fraud trial after the prime minister's brother said the proceedings were unfair because legal aid cuts had led to a lack of competent barristers.

The FCA said: "[We] are considering Leonard's ruling ordering a stay of the criminal proceedings against Scott Crawley, Dale Walker, Daniel Forsyth, Brendan Daley and Aaron Petrou and whether to appeal. In these circumstances we do not intend to comment further at this time."

The FCA conducted an investigation into the activities of landbanking firms, dubbed Operation Cotton, and charged Crawley, 35, Forsyth, 30, Petrou, 46, and Daley, 38, with conspiracy to defraud investors.

Walker, 53, was facing fraud charges and an allegation of money laundering in relation to the case.

Through the firms Plott UK, European Property Investments (EPI) and Stirling Alexander, Crawley was accused of being the mastermind behind the alleged £5m (€6m, $8.5m) scam between 2008 and 2011.

Read More

Share post