A Serious Fraud Office probe into an alleged multi-million pound solar energy fraud in which Courier Country residents were targeted has resulted in five men appearing in court south of the border.
Two other men, both former directors of a firm at the centre of the investigation, remain on the run after failing to appear in court.
An Angus pensioner, whose family came across documents connected to the alleged scam, was one of those whose complaint formed part of the investigation.
SFO officials have said the majority of alleged victims were older people who are estimated to have together lost over £13 million.
The charges relate to the selling of solar panels to customers of Solar Energy Savings Limited, a company formerly based in the north west of England, and the offer of a so-called 360 Returns Scheme promising the return of 100% of their purchase monies on maturity.
Companies called PV Solar Direct Limited and Ultra Energy Global Limited were then also used to generate further sales of solar panels.
The five men charged with conspiracy to commit fraud following the SFO investigation include three former directors of Solar Energy Savings Ltd.
Stephen Wilson, Gary McVey, Robert Ross, Niall Hastie and Kenneth Reid all attended police stations in the north of England this week and have been charged and bailed to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on April 25.
Two other men, Ludovic Black, also known as Victor Black, and David Diaz, also known as David Black and David Stark, remain at large and are still being sought by the SFO.
Black and his brother, David Diaz, former directors of Solar Energy Savings Ltd, failed to attend police stations in Cheshire in February this year.
They are known to have connections to addresses in Cheshire and Greater Manchester and the SFO has appealed for information on their whereabouts on 0207 084 4806 or at solar@sfo.gsi.gov.uk
Anyone with information can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Search warrants were executed at various properties in Scotland, Merseyside and Cheshire in connection with the investigation.
