A judge has granted an application by Scottish police to freeze a quantity of funds currently held in a Dungannon businessman’s bank account on suspicion it may be proceeds of crime.
The officer told Dungannon Magistrates’ Court a report has been received of an alleged incident which began in August 2022 and left an elderly woman defrauded out of £37,000.
She had been contacted by persons claiming to represent a company called Claims Expertise Bureau who said she was due “substantial compensation” for mis-sold PPI insurance.
In order to access this she was advised to pay various sums of money which were deposited by bank transfer to three separate accounts, one of which was with Ulster Bank in the name of the Dungannon businessman.
Of the £37,000 paid out by the alleged victim, £2,687 was transferred to this account.
District Judge Peter Magill granted a warrant to freeze these funds in the specified account.
It is unclear what further action is being taken however the officer said similar applications have been granted in England.
In February 2023 the Financial Conduct Authority published a warning on it’s website around Claims Expertise Bureau which states: “We believe this firm may be providing financial services or products in the UK without our authorisation”
Information is provided on why the public should be wary of dealing with this unauthorised firm and how to protect against issues.
According to Companies House a business named Claims Expertise Bureau, registered with an address in Greater Manchester, was incorporated in June 2021 and dissolved by strike off in December 2022.
