Wednesday 21 October 2009

Lesser-Spotted City Trader Seen In Dock


A secretive foreign exchange dealer, accused of a ‘Ponzi’ scheme that left 800 investors £17m out of pocket, appeared for the first time at City of London Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday).

Terence Freeman, (pictured) 61, formerly of Buckhurst Hill, Essex, is the former boss of City-based GFX Capital Markets Ltd.

Freeman, who was investigated by the City of London Police’s Economic Crime Department, unsuccessfully applied for his new address to be kept secret, but is now seeking a Judicial Review of the JP’s decision.

The application was made after Freeman claimed his tyres were slashed outside his former home and vehicles were daubed with roofing paint by disgruntled investors who have their own civil action group.

Freeman is charged that between June 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007, within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court, he was knowingly a party to the carrying on of a business, namely GFX Ltd., for a fraudulent purpose, namely the inducement of persons to invest in a ‘Safe’ exchange scheme by making false representations and statements as to the protection and profits of investments.

He is also charged that between October 1, 2007 and February 9, 2009, within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court the business of GFX Ltd. was carried on with intent to defraud creditors by similarly making false representations and statements.

He also is also charged that between January 1, 2006 and February 9, this year, being an undischarged bankrupt, acted as a director of GFX Ltd.

Between the same dates he is charged with failing to disclose to business associates his former name, under which he was made bankrupt.

Freeman is further charged with stealing £120,590 between November 7 and 30, 2007, belonging to investors in GFX Ltd and between the same dates acquiring, using or possessing criminal property, namely a diamond bespoke ring and gentleman’s signet ring.

Police began investigating GFX Ltd. on February 4, this year after Freeman himself complained of threats from investors.

Thirty investors are alleged to have lost over £130,000, with one individual said to have lost £1.5m.

Freeman was bailed conditionally to return on October 28, on conditions he reside at his address, report to local police and does not handle investments for trading.

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