The Serious Fraud Office has arrested the former director of ethical investment scheme Global Forestry Investments.
Omari Bowers was charged on 22 July 2019 by postal requisition with conspiracy to defraud, forgery, and misconduct in the course of winding up.
The SFO is currently investigating the firm for alleged frauds concerning the company between August 2010 and December 2015.
Bowers was arrested at Gatwick Airport on 30 October 2019 having previously failed to attend Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 26 July and 2 August 2019.
He has now been bailed to appear at the court on 1 November 2019.
Offences
Bowers is accused of multiple offences; including three counts of conspiracy to defraud, four for forgery, one for misconduct in the course of winding up contrary to the Insolvency Act, and one for making a false statement.
His former colleague Andrew Skeene was detained at Heathrow Airport on 29 June.
Both face the same charges.
10% returns
Global Forestry Investments specialised in Brazilian teak plantations.
The minimum investment, according to a brochure, was £5,000 ($6,260, €5,579).
It bought the investor one plot containing around 100 trees.
The scheme was promoted as being Sipp-compatible, with a minimum 10% return per annum.
