Kent Cops Snatch £1 Million Back from Slick British Investment Scam
Kent Police financial investigators have pulled off a stunning recovery, clawing back nearly £1 million for a Canadian victim conned into transferring the cash to a fake British investment firm.
How the Crooks Were Caught
The Economic Crime Unit at Kent Police kicked off the probe after spotting dodgy financial moves from a company registered in North Kent.
- The firm claimed to be a ‘software publishing and technology consultancy’ – but its money flows told a different story.
- About £960,000 was frozen across four company accounts after irregular activity raised alarms.
- Kent’s detectives teamed up with UK and international partners to trace the victim in Canada, who had unwittingly handed cash to what looked like a legit British investment outfit.
Cash Returned After Court Ruling
On February 5, 2025, financial sleuths successfully secured court approval at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court to give the frozen funds straight back to the victim.
This case lays bare the growing sophistication of international frauds — and the vital role of cross-border police teamwork.
Operation Henhouse: Nationwide Fraud Crackdown
The Kent success is part of a bigger push under Operation Henhouse, a National Economic Crime Centre project working with City of London Police to smash fraud rings nationwide.
- Between February 2 and 10, officers arrested seven suspects for crimes including posing as police officers, solar panel scams, and credit card fraud.
- Cease-and-desist letters were blasted out to rogue traders and online vehicle fraudsters.
- Six suspects remain under investigation, while one was released without charges.
Kent Police Pledge to Hunt Down Fraudsters
“The return of nearly £1 million to a fraud victim in Canada shows the lengths our investigators will go to while tackling crimes that cross borders and follow money trails worldwide,” said Detective Inspector Marc Makin of Kent’s Economic Crime Unit.
“The recent arrests prove we are relentless in pursuing those who scam others and profit from lies and deception. We’ll keep working with other forces through Operation Henhouse to bring fraudsters to justice and return stolen money to victims whenever we can.”
Protect Yourself from Fraud: Police Urge Vigilance
The public are warned to stay sharp and report suspicious activity.
For advice on beating fraud, visit Kent Police Fraud Advice.
To report fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit actionfraud.police.uk.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
