Brothers wanted in fraud probe
THE Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has issued an appeal over the whereabouts of two brothers wanted for questioning after they failed to attend Runcorn and Blacon police stations.
British nationals Ludovic Black, also known as Victor Black, and David Diaz, also known as David Black and David Stark, had been expected by officers on Tuesday, February 28.
Ludovic Black was due to attend Runcorn and Victor Black was scheduled to head to Blacon in Chester.
An SFO spokeswoman said they are wanted for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into Solar Energy Savings Ltd, PV Solar Direct Ltd and Ultra Energy Global Ltd, and alleged fraud and conspiracy offences between July 1, 2011, and January 18, 2013.
She said they were arrested in 2014 and bailed.
They were last known to have addresses in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
The spokeswoman said: “The SFO announced the opening of this investigation in December 2014.
“The investigation concerns the selling of solar panels to customers of Solar Energy Savings Ltd, a company formerly based in the North West, and the offer of a ‘360 Returns ● Scheme’ promising customers to have returned to them 100% of their purchase monies on maturity.
“PV Solar Direct Ltd and Ultra Energy Global Ltd were then also used to generate further sales of solar panels.
“The nationwide suspected fraud is believed to have created many victims, the majority of whom are older people, estimated to have together lost over £13m.”
Anyone with any information relating to their whereabouts should call the SFO in confidence on 0207 084 4806 or at solar@sfo.gsi.gov.uk
Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.