Investment

David Voth client alleges $50,000 loss, links to unlicensed Bahamas fund

December 31, 2000

A Canadian businessman who offers unlicensed investment products and services through Bahamas-registered IBCs is under fire from a client who lost $50,000 in suspicious circumstances. David M. Voth's group received funds from Bahamas-registered Geebung Corporation in December, 1998 for investment in a scheme that offered a 25 per cent return per quarter for 12 months.

BVI-domiciled Kading Companies SA agrees to SEC Cease and Desist Order

December 31, 2000

A British Virgin Islands-domiciled company and its President have agreed to a Cease and Desist Order and a civil penalty following an administrative proceeding brought by the SEC. Kading Companies S.A. and Kevin H. Kading, 42, were among four Respondents accused of acting as broker-dealers in the United States without being registered by the SEC. The other Respondents were Utah-registered Joning Corp. (f.k.a. Global Stock Exchange Corp.), which was 55 per cent-owned by Kading Corp; and John O. Jones Jr., 54, Joning's President.

British Trade & Commerce Bank’s claim of frozen assets not true, says adversary

December 31, 2000

A claim by Dominica-based British Trade & Commerce Bank that its liquidity problem is substantially due to having its assets frozen by a Canadian court is in dispute. The Plaintiffs in the only known lawsuit against BTCB in Canada told Offshore Alert that no assets have been frozen as a result of the action, which contradicts BTCB's public stance.

Director of DIAK Bank is defendant in SEC lawsuit

December 31, 2000

A director of Grenada-registered DIAK Bank is currently fighting a civil lawsuit in which he is accused of participating in an investment fraud relating to a previous venture, we can disclose. Kenneth Lagonia was one of several defendants in a lawsuit filed by the Securities & Exchange Commission on April 14, 1998 at the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Bahamas firms terminate Imperial Consolidated’s HINT MasterCard

December 31, 2000

The UK-based Imperial Consolidated Group has suffered another blow with the forced termination of its HINT MasterCard offshore credit card program, which was operated from the Bahamas. Leadenhall Bank & Trust, which issued the card, and Axxess International, which administered it, withdrew their support in November due to concerns over Imperial Consolidated's credibility.

TCI regulator: Harris Organization investment trust not registered here

December 31, 2000

Offshore Alert has uncovered another dubious investment fund being promoted by The Harris Organization financial services group of Panama. The objective of the Washington Pacific Investment Fund is "to achieve a rate of return of 100% per annum" by investing in "mortgage backed securities and liens", according to a prospectus.

Leslie Wingham asks victims for more money, tells them to stop calling his attorney

December 31, 2000

British businessman Leslie Wingham has asked victims of an alleged multi-million fraud that he operated in Antigua for additional money to fund a so-called recovery effort. In a letter to "Investors and Agents of Accord Trading/Accord Insurance and EMRW" dated November 27, 2000, Wingham asked for at least $1,000 each from his victims.

Imperial’s HINT MasterCard terminated by Bahamas bank

December 21, 2000

The Bahamas-based HINT MasterCard credit card program that was offered by the Imperial Consolidated Group has been terminated by the issuing bank, Leadenhall Bank & Trust, and the data processor, Axxess International, which are both based in the Bahamas. In other news, Brent Wagman has been sentenced to five years in prison in Texas and fined $19.7 million for investment fraud.

Reward for speculators in Bank of Bermuda stock

December 9, 2000

Investors who bought Bank of Bermuda stock recently in anticipation of a favorable government decision that would allow its shares to be listed on an overseas stock exchange have been rewarded.On December 8, 2000, Bermuda Minister of Finance Eugene Cox publicly disclosed that the bank, which is generally considered to be the biggest offshore bank, had been given an exemption from the law that prohibits foreign ownership of local companies to exceed 40 per cent.

BVI firm blames Lines Overseas Management for $980,000 investment loss

November 30, 2000

A BVI-registered firm is appealing a Bermuda judge's ruling that it must provide a $100,000 security deposit before it can proceed with a negligence claim against investment firm Lines Overseas Management. Overseas Finance Management will argue that it is unfair to expect a plaintiff to put up additional funds to pursue a claim against a defendant accused of squandering virtually all of its assets.

Default judgment entered against Bank of Bermuda in Cash 4 Titles lawsuit

November 30, 2000

A default judgment has been entered against the Bank of Bermuda in a racketeering lawsuit filed by the Receiver of the alleged $300 million Ponzi scheme known as Cash 4 Titles. The judgment was entered against the Bank of Bermuda Ltd. and the Bank of Bermuda (Cayman) Ltd. on November 20, 2000 at the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

BVI and Bahamas funds used in alleged $70 million fraud aimed at Latin Americans

November 30, 2000

Two offshore funds allegedly involved in a $70 million scheme to defraud investors who mainly resided in Latin America have been put into receivership following court action in the United States. Bahamas-registered United World Capital Fund Limited and BVI-registered United World Capital Limited consented to the receivership after being named as defendants in an SEC lawsuit filed in Texas.

Isle of Man AG thanked by SEC for tracing bankrupt’s offshore assets

November 30, 2000

The Isle of Man Attorney General has been publicly thanked by the US Securities & Exchange Commission for helping to track down the offshore assets of a massively bankrupt businessman. The praise came after a New York court issued an injunction preventing the transfer of ownership of a Florida gaming cruise ship apparently controlled by a bankrupt businessman through three offshore trusts.

Default judgment against BVI firm in $6.2 million fraud case

November 30, 2000

A default judgment has been entered against British Virgin Islands-registered Hedley Finance Ltd. and its administrator, Christian Dante, for involvement in a $6.2 million investment fraud. They participated in a fraud which raised $6.2 million through the sale of bogus prime bank notes to investors who were promised returns of between 20 and 100 per cent every ten international banking days.

New offshore regulator appointed in Nevis

November 30, 2000

The Nevis government has separated its Marketing/Promotion division from its Regulation/Supervision division of its financial services sector in an attempt to improve its much-criticized level of regulation. Thomas Peacock has been appointed as Regulator for Financial Services, while Agatha Jeffers-Gooden has been appointed as Director of Development and Marketing, both effective October 1, 2000.

Offshore criminal activity continues unabated in Grenada

November 30, 2000

Regulators in Grenada are continuing to allow banks belonging to the First International Bank of Grenada group to operate on the island despite FIBG's massive insolvency, we can reveal. The National Commercial Bank of St. Vincent, which is government-owned, is also continuing to provide banking services despite having its UK assets frozen recently over the FIBG fiasco.

How to take over a NASDAQ-listed firm using ‘toxic convertibles’

November 30, 2000

A lawsuit filed in the United States against a Bahamas-based mutual fund offers a fascinating insight into how stock promoters can wrest control of a publicly-traded firm through alleged stock manipulation. Louisiana-based National Affiliated Corporation claims that it was a victim of a method of stock manipulation known in the industry as a 'death spiral' or 'toxic convertibles'.

Offshore shareholders face huge losses after First Ecom share price collapses

November 30, 2000

A publicly-traded company whose principal shareholders include the Bank of Bermuda and Lines Overseas Management is well on the way to becoming an e-commerce flop. The share price of First Ecom.com Inc. hit an all-time low of $1.063 on NASDAQ on November 30, 2000 just nine months after a trading high of $34 on the over-the-counter market.

British Trade and Commerce Bank’s financial troubles worsen

November 30, 2000

Dominica-licensed British Trade & Commerce Bank appears to be on its last legs, if a recent letter to clients from the bank's President, Rodolfo Requena, is anything to go by. In the letter, Requena seems to be digging the bank into a deeper hole by offering rates of return of up to 50 per cent for clients who delay making withdrawals.

Credit Bancorp et al v. Aristocrat Endeavor Fund Ltd. et al: Complaint

November 28, 2000

Complaint in Carl Loewenson Jr., as Receiver for Credit Bancorp et al v. Aristocrat Endeavor Fund Ltd., Aristocrat Capital Advisors, Ltd., Aristocrat Corporate Finance, Ltd., Jeffrey Allen Weston, James Shadlaus, Patrick Albert Meredith, David Elias Sherman, and Robert William Newman at the U. S. District Court for the District of Nevada.

Regulators issue Cease and Desist Order against Wellington Bank

October 31, 2000

The Indiana Securities Division has issued a Cease and Desist Order against Grenada-registered Wellington Bank & Trust Ltd., which is a sub-bank of the First International Bank of Grenada. Also named in the Order were Nevada-registered Wellington Capital Holdings Limited Inc., Ohio-registered CastleRock Consulting LLC and Ohio residents John E. Brinker Jr. and Gary J. Bentz.

Accounts in Jersey and BVI used for insider trading

October 31, 2000

A Vancouver-based businessman who used a Jersey-registered trust and a BVI-registered IBC to conduct illegal insider trades in firms he managed has been fined $50,000 by Canadian securities regulators. David Michael Patterson admitted that he did not file insider-trading reports for trades he made through a British Virgin Islands firm in shares of four companies where he was an officer or director.

Regulators take action against Tri-West Investment Club

October 31, 2000

Regulators in Texas have issued a Cease and Desist Order against Tri-West Investment Club, which appears to have been operated from the US but also maintained an address in the Bahamas. In an Order issued by the Texas State Securities Board on July 10, 2000, the principal address for the club is listed as East Bay Shopping Center, East Bay Street, Suite A-216, Nassau, the Bahamas.

Cayman on-line trader expands to Canadian stock markets

October 31, 2000

Cayman-based SEGOES Securities Ltd. has announced plans to offer on-line trading for stocks listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Canadian Venture Exchange. SEGOES, which has a web-site at www.segoes.com.ky, will also provide real-time quotes from these exchanges.

SEC takes action against Robert Moore, founder of sham jurisdiction

October 31, 2000

The SEC has taken legal action in Hawaii against yet another 'founder' of a fake country who solicited investments over the Internet. Robert F. Moore, who lives in Honolulu, held himself out to be the 'Head of State' of The Kingdom of Enenkio and attempted to raise money in its name, according to an SEC complaint filed on October 5.

OffshoreAlert Poll: 1 in 4 offshore investors expect 100% annual returns

October 31, 2000

One in four people who voted in an OffshoreAlert Internet poll on their investment expectations believe that offshore entities can legitimately guarantee annual returns of 100 per cent and above. And nearly half of the 155 people who took part in the poll believed that offshore entities can guarantee returns of at least 20 per cent per year.

Newt Utopia: Company warnings and the crooked use of corundum by Alfred Zent

October 31, 2000

Warnings about Investment Banking Systems, of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Caledonian Development Corporation, of the British Virgin Islands, and a look at conman Alfred Zent and his use of corundum.

Marc Harris gets temporary reprieve after being closed down

October 31, 2000

After months of ignoring blatant illegalities, Panamanian regulators finally acted against The Harris Organization financial services group this month and suspended its business operations. However, an Order by La Comisión Nacional de Valores (National Securities Commission) was itself suspended by the Panamanian Supreme Court following an application by The Harris Organization.

Who let the dogs out? Dubious investments of Hawthorne-Sterling fund group

October 31, 2000

Research into publicly-quoted firms linked with Hawthorne-Sterling's mutual funds has revealed an astonishing pattern of alleged stock manipulation, bankruptcies and ties to convicted criminals. There is overwhelming evidence that the companies exist largely so that insiders can benefit at the expense of unsophisticated investors who are sucked in by hype.

Court battle looms for control of Hawthorne-Sterling fund group

October 31, 2000

A crucial hearing in the battle for control of the Hawthorne-Sterling group of mutual funds is due to take place at Bahamas Supreme Court on November 1. Florida-based Ian L. Renert wants the court to remove accountant Clifford Culmer as Receiver of 36 companies within Renert's group and be allowed to relocate them to Nevis.

David Gilliland pleads guilty to investment fraud, turns on his co-defendants

October 31, 2000

A guilty plea has been entered by one of the defendants in an alleged $95 million investment fraud in which funds were allegedly laundered through the Bank of Bermuda in the name of an Antiguan 'paper' bank. Benjamin David Gilliland, of Memphis, Tennessee, pleaded guilty on August 22, 2000 to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire and securities fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Grenada licenses new FIBG and blocks FBI investigation into fraud

October 31, 2000

Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell is being lined up as a potential defendant in a civil fraud lawsuit following the collapse of the First International Bank of Grenada. Depositors have vowed to take action against Mitchell after his government announced that it had granted a license to a new bank called First International Bank of Grenada 2000 Ltd.

Equity Management clients seek other victims

October 31, 2000

Clients of Bahamas-based Equity Management Group, Antigua-based Fullerton Financial Corp. and BVI-based Capital Advisory Corporation are being invited to join legal action that is being prepared against the now defunct companies and their principals.

Panama suspends operations of The Harris Organization

October 17, 2000

La Prensa newspaper in Panama reported today that La Comisión Nacional de Valores, which is the Panamanian equivalent of the SEC in the United States, has suspended the business operations of The Harris Organization financial services group, which is headquartered in Panama but has its main entities incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and Nevis.

Former Cayman broker and mother penalized for lying to regulators

September 30, 2000

Former Cayman-based stockbroker Richard Harris and his mother, Ana Jimenez, have settled a perjury action brought against them by the British Columbia Securities Commission. Under the settlement, Harris and Jimenez, who now live in Costa Rica, have been banned for ten years from serving as a director or officer of any issuer regulated by the BCSC. They are also prohibited from "engaging in investor relations" in British Columbia for the same period.

Terry Neal settles SEC lawsuit for $2.5 million

September 30, 2000

Nevis-based offshore financial services provider and author Terry Neal has been ordered to disgorge $2.3 million in "ill-gotten gains" and pay a $200,000 penalty to settle a civil fraud lawsuit in the United States. Neal, who is an American citizen, has also been barred from serving as an officer or director of a public company in the United States.

Bahamas fund group forced into receivership

September 30, 2000

An unlicensed, unaudited mutual fund group into which over 550 investors invested approximately $13.2 million has been forced into Receivership by the Bahamas Securities Commission. It has triggered a bitter legal battle for control of the Hawthorne-Sterling family of funds between their Receiver, accountant Clifford Culmer, and their founder, American Ian L. Renert.

Bank of Bermuda sued again over alleged $300 million Ponzi scheme, two arrested

September 30, 2000

The Bank of Bermuda has been sued again over its involvement in the alleged $300 million Cash 4 Titles Ponzi scheme that operated in the United States, the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas. Barely a month after the bank was served with a class action lawsuit in Federal Court in Miami that was filed on behalf of victims, a second action was filed in Illinois on September 19, 2000.

Accused fraudster Michael Richmond used name of First Bermuda Securities when raising funds

September 30, 2000

A businessman - Michael Richmond - criminally indicted in the U.S. for an alleged $8.5 million investment fraud lied about a relationship with First Bermuda Securities when raising funds, claim investigators. Richmond allegedly told potential depositors of his Nauru-registered Royal Meridian International Bank that their accounts would be managed by FBS or Deacon Capital Corporation.

TAC International and Craig Southwood penalized by regulators

September 30, 2000

Bahamas-registered TAC International and its President, Craig Southwood, have been further penalized by the British Columbia Securities Commission after failing to honor a previous settlement agreement. In a ruling on June 9, 2000, shares in TAC International Limited were permanently cease-traded and Southwood was prohibited from trading in securities and serving as an officer or director of a company.

Undischarged bankrupt linked with Grenada bank

September 30, 2000

An undischarged bankrupt, whose debts include $4 million owed to a now-defunct Cayman Islands bank, has resurfaced as a director of Grenada-registered Sterling International Bank & Trust. Robert Leroy Bandfield Jr., 56, known as 'Bob Bandfield', went into voluntary bankruptcy in his home state of Oregon on October 30, 1992 with assets of $282,681 and liabilities of $8,610,000.

Bermuda resident penalized by SEC

September 30, 2000

Bermuda resident Susan McKenna Grant has been ordered by a US court to disgorge $135,204 and pay $264,796 in refunds and interest following a lawsuit filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Grant, who lives at Harbour Road, Paget, was one of three former executives of NASDAQ-listed Alias Research Inc. who were ordered to pay total penalties of $2.4 million on July 24, 2000.

Investors claim huge losses with now-defunct Bahamas broker

September 30, 2000

Investors who claim they were swindled by a Bahamas-based stockbroking firm are preparing legal action in a bid to recover approximately $12 million in lost funds. The investors claim they were sold dubious stocks traded on the NASDAQ over-the-counter market by Equity Management Group Ltd., which operated from the Bahamas Financial Centre in Nassau.

FIBG victims obtain $373 million asset freeze order

September 30, 2000

Depositors of the First International Bank of Grenada have obtained an order from the Grenada Supreme Court that allows them to freeze up to $373 million of the bank's worldwide assets, if they can find them.The creditors are calling upon all depositors to join the lawsuit as co-plaintiffs and are seeking contributions of $1,000 each to cover costs.

Marc Harris charged with criminal fraud in Panama, reports newspaper

September 30, 2000

Marc M. Harris, head of The Harris Organization financial services group, has been criminally charged with investment fraud in Panama, according to La Prensa newspaper.Current Harris Organization officer Ilka M. Barria and former employees Alan McAloon, Kenneth Taylor and Christine Ledezma have also apparently been charged.

Omega Trust and Trading investment farce ends after six-year run

August 31, 2000

One of the longest-running investment farces ever ended this month when 19 people were criminally indicted in relation to a so-called 'offshore trading program' known as Omega Trust and Trading Ltd. The scheme has been going on since at least January, 1994 and has raised at least $12.5 million, according to an indictment filed at the US District Court for the Central District of Illinois on August 18.

Harris Organization-controlled motel put into receivership

August 31, 2000

A Florida motel controlled by The Harris Organization has been put into receivership after the Panama-based financial services group defaulted on an $11,820 per month mortgage. A receiver for Neptune's Hideaway Motel Inc., in Key Largo, was appointed by the 16th Judicial Court for Monroe County on June 20, 2000 after an application on June 6 by creditor LRJ Realty Inc.

Le Club Privé bites the dust

August 31, 2000

A Russian businessman who ran the crooked Caribbean Bank of Commerce in Antigua has been accused of running a massive investment scam over the Internet. New Jersey-based Eugene G. Chusid, who already has two pending criminal actions against him relating to CBC, may yet face a third after the SEC closed down a fraud known as Le Club Privé.

Keith King panned in Isle of Man judgment

August 31, 2000

A now defunct Isle of Man stockbroking company controlled by offshore businessman Keith King has lost a second civil lawsuit brought by a former client. Defendant City & International Securities was found to have illegally transferred GBP200,000 out of the account of The Mannin Foundation, of Liechtenstein, to fund a new stockbroking firm that collapsed within 12 months and was compulsorily wound up by the Isle of Man High Court.

Jeeves Group named in UK Gov’t report on failed timeshare group

August 31, 2000

The Jeeves Group, which operates out of Liechtenstein and St. Vincent, has been named in a UK government investigation into an alleged scam involving more than GBP7 million. The group represented two St. Vincent-registered companies that were part of an organization involved in the fraudulent sale of shares and timeshare holidays to the public, according to the Department of Trade & Industry.