SFO lay charges in alleged $15 million fraud

Thursday 9th December 2010 1 Comment

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has charged B'On Financial Services co-directors Michael Bradley and Jacqueline Bradley over allegations they defrauded 85 investors of more than $15 million.

The couple face 87 charges under the Crimes Act after an SFO investigation alleged the couple took investors' money to repay earlier investors and to fund their lifestyle.

SFO chief Adam Feeley said that while investors should be aware of the risks attached to any investment, "it is also reasonable that New Zealanders can expect that any investment scheme is run honestly, and that their money is used in the manner promised."

The SFO said clients who invested their money with the Bradley's "did not have their funds invested in any meaningful way."

The investigation identified over 85 investors, but the SFO said the charges relate to 24 investors in the period between 2003 and 2009 and comprise theft by a person required to account, theft by a person in a special relationship and dishonestly using a document.

The defendants were remanded on bail to appear on January 13.

Comments from our readers

On 10 December 2010 at 10:16 am Mark said:

What I can't understand is the SFO's mode of operation. Imagine the police announcing "tomorrow we are going to arrest someone on drug charges" and then infer by omission who it may or may not be. Are they starting to crave the media spotlight? Or was there some malicious intent in their announcement, trying to get at someone?