Two Jailed Pension Fraudsters Assets Seized

Two pensions liberation fraudsters that were jailed for a total of 10 years in April 2022 as part of a £13m pension fraud liberation scheme affecting 245 people losing their pension pots have had their assets seized under a Proceeds of Crime investigation by The Pensions Regulator (TPR).

At Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday under the Proceeds of Crime Act, Alan Barratt, 64, of Althorne, Essex and Susan Dalton, 68, of Rochdale were ordered to pay £9,771 and £25,010 respectively.

Between 2012 and 2014, Barratt and Dalton acted persuaded 245 victims transfer a total of £13.6m in pension savings into 10 pension schemes controlled by the pair.

The funds were then fraudulently moved elsewhere allegedly investing in ‘truffle tree’ projects and overseas property, but likely spent on funding luxury lifestyles resulting in nearly all of the pension savings being lost.

Comment

Justice will never be fully served but victims should get some recourse from the Fraud Compensation Fund as well as the seizure if assets above and now held by trustees for victims.

This is yet another warning to all investing clients that ‘if something looks too good to be true, it probably is’ and that you should fully investigate any advice you are given that is outside the ‘norm’ by paying a fee to get a second opinion from an separate independent financial advice or even check with your existing pension provider before transferring that the scheme you are transferring to is legitimate.

If in doubt, say no and talk to other advisers.

Remember, early pension liberation before age 55 is fraud and against the law.