Scot on FBI ‘most wanted’ list over fraud

A Scot accused of being involved in a precious metals fraud scheme in the United States has been placed on the FBI’S “most wanted” list.

James Ward, 65, allegedly defrauded investors of the equivalent of £314,000 under a scheme operating in Florida from 2007 to 2010.

The scheme is said to have involved deals to buy metals such as gold, silver and platinum.

A federal arrest warrant was issued in a Miami court for Glasgow-born Ward in 2012 after he was charged with wire fraud.

He is described as being white, around 5ft 8in tall, with hazel-coloured eyes and blond hair, which may change in colour.

Described as a securities broker, Ward is said to have lived in Miami Beach and he may travel within the UK, or to Canada and Mexico.

A notice on the FBI’S website stated: “Ward allegedly operated an entity called Kastle & Hawk, Inc., which solicited investors to buy precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum on a leveraged basis.

“Instead of investing the approximately $400,000 Ward received from at least 12 investors, Ward allegedly used the money for his own personal use and benefit.

“No precious metals were ever acquired for investors.”