Police hunt brothers as man charged over alleged panels scam
● A WIDNES man has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with an alleged £13m solar panel scam.
Stephen Wilson, 54, of Widnes, was charged by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), along with Gary McVey, 45, of Northwich; Robert Ross, 51, of Ayr; and Niall Hastie, 51, and Kenneth Reid, 58, both of Glasgow.
They were bailed to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on April 25.
An SFO spokeswoman said the case relates to the sale of solar panels to customers of Solar Energy Savings Limited, a company formerly based in the North West, and the offer of a ‘360 Returns Scheme’ promising the return of 100% of their purchase money on maturity.
She said PV Solar Direct Ltd and Ultra Energy Global Ltd were then also used to ● generate further sales of solar panels.
The suspected fraud is alleged to have created many victims, the majority of whom are older people, estimated to have together lost more than £13m.
Two further British nationals, Ludovic Black, also known as Victor Black, and David Diaz, also known as David Black and David Stark, are still being sought.
The two brothers are former directors of Solar Energy Savings Limited and failed to attend Runcorn and Blacon police stations Tuesday, February 28.
The spokeswoman said: “Members of the public who have information relating to the whereabouts of either man can contact the SFO, in confidence, on 0207 084 4806 or at solar@sfo.gsi.gov.uk
“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online form at crimestoppers-uk.org”