SFO Raids Dorset Property, Seizes 12 Luxury Watches Worth Half a Million
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) swooped on a Dorset home on 3 September 2024, seizing 12 luxury watches in an explosive crackdown. The haul, featuring top-tier brands like Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Hublot, could be worth over £500,000—if they’re genuine.
Part of £76 Million Carlauren Care Home Fraud Probe
This high-stakes raid is tied to the ongoing investigation into the collapsed Carlauren Group’s suspected £76 million care home fraud. Carlauren, a UK-based property developer, went bust in November 2019, leaving over 600 investors nursing huge losses and elderly residents forced from their homes.
Over four years, Carlauren bought 23 properties nationwide, promising investors a fat 10% annual return by turning the sites into luxury care homes. But only nine properties ever got off the ground.
Watches to Be Authenticated or Destroyed
Dorset Police backed the SFO during the raid, acting on suspicions the watches were bought with dirty money. The seized timepieces are now being taken to a secure facility for verification. If shown to be fake, they face destruction.
SFO Vows to Recover Criminal Assets
“We work hard to recover criminal assets and prevent suspected offenders from enjoying—or concealing—the spoils of their crimes,” said Nick Ephgrave QPM, Director of the SFO. “Many investors remain affected by the collapse of the Carlauren Group, and we are progressing our investigation at pace to deliver justice for them.”
The SFO’s probe continues as they hunt down those responsible for the massive fraud and strive to claw back stolen cash and assets.
