British police told International Adviser on Monday that Avalon’s former managing director Harry Kerr will appear in court next week on two charges of fraud by false representation and one count of acting with intent to defraud the UK tax authorities.
“We can confirm that a 60-year-old man from Gloucestershire has been summoned to appear before Warwickshire Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 10 August,” a Warwickshire and West Mercia Police spokeswoman said.
“This appearance is in connection with alleged fraud by false representation and acting with intent to prejudice/defraud HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).”
The Sipp administrator boss, who also ran an advisory firm, was arrested last August over allegations of fraud.
Avalon’s collapse
Avalon Investment Services entered administration in February after it lost a civil claim brought against it by businessman Michael Bennett.
Kerr promised Bennett he would raise money for two farming projects, which never materialised. Bennet won his claim against Kerr and Avalon, costing the company £2m (€2.4m, $2.6m).
The firm’s books of £300m of assets and Sipps of around £140m were subsequently acquired by M&A firm Embark Group, the parent company of UK Sipp provider Hornbuckle.
Kerr’s advice firm, Market Place Financial Services, also went bust in February over a £3m debt it owed to a biofuel company chaired by British politician Tim Yeo.
Kerr was declared bankrupt last year and left Avalon in October.
