Interpol Tracks Fugitive in £70M Ponzi Scheme

NEWS: INTERPOL issues Silver Notice to track fugitive who ran £70M Ponzi Scheme

Introduction

The City of London Police has taken a significant step in the international effort to trace and confiscate assets linked to Anthony Constantinou, a convicted fraudster who orchestrated a £70 million Ponzi scheme. This development follows the issuance of an Interpol Silver Notice, aimed at facilitating cross-border intelligence sharing on criminal assets.

Background on Anthony Constantinou

Anthony Constantinou, the mastermind behind Capital World Markets, promised investors substantial monthly returns through purported risk-free foreign exchange trades. However, investigations revealed that these trades never occurred, and Constantinou operated a classic Ponzi scheme, using funds from new investors to pay earlier ones while misappropriating the rest.

Legal Proceedings and Conviction

In June 2023, Constantinou was sentenced to 14 years in prison for fraud by false representation, fraudulent trading, and money laundering. Additionally, he was ordered to repay £64 million or face an additional 14-year sentence. Despite these legal actions, Constantinou absconded during his trial and remains at large, prompting the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice for his arrest.

The Role of the Interpol Silver Notice

The Interpol Silver Notice is a crucial tool in the effort to recover assets derived from Constantinou's criminal activities. It enables law enforcement agencies across different jurisdictions to collaborate in identifying and confiscating these assets, with the ultimate goal of compensating the victims of the Ponzi scheme.

Efforts to Recover Assets

The City of London Police, upon receiving intelligence about Constantinou's foreign-held properties, requested the Silver Notice. This move underscores their commitment to ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve. Deputy Commissioner Nik Adams emphasized the profound impact of Constantinou's crimes on the victims and reiterated the police's dedication to asset recovery.

Public Involvement

Members of the public with information regarding Anthony Constantinou's assets or whereabouts are encouraged to report this via the Major Incident Public Portal. This collaborative approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of the asset recovery process.

Conclusion

The issuance of the Interpol Silver Notice marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to address the financial crimes perpetrated by Anthony Constantinou. By leveraging international cooperation, authorities are better positioned to trace and recover assets, ultimately providing justice and compensation to the victims.

Quelques pistes pour l'intégration opérationnelle dans votre dispositif :

- Collaborate with international law enforcement agencies to enhance asset recovery efforts.

- Utilize public portals to gather intelligence on fugitive assets.

- Implement robust compliance measures to prevent similar fraud schemes.

- Educate stakeholders on the risks associated with high-return investment schemes.

- Monitor regulatory updates to stay informed about international asset recovery tools.