David Ames was a twice-bankrupt double-glazing salesman from Basildon with dreams of building a Caribbean property empire. His company, Harlequin, promised ordinary investors luxury resort properties at bargain prices – their slice of paradise and financial security.
Over nearly a decade, more than 8,000 people handed over £400 million. Many bet their entire pension pots on Ames' vision.
But behind Ames’ slick marketing pitch lay financial chaos and systematic deception. While investors waited for dream properties, their money funded pirate ships, imported sand that washed away with the tide, and eye-watering sales commissions.
From a local newspaper investigation that exposed the scheme to the Serious Fraud Office's decade-long pursuit of justice, this is the story of how thousands lost everything betting on one man’s vision.
Featuring exclusive interviews with victims, investigators, and industry insiders, The Lost Caribbean Millions reveals the human cost of one of Britain's biggest investment frauds.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
David Ames was a twice-bankrupt double-glazing salesman from Basildon with dreams of building a Caribbean property empire. His company, Harlequin, promised ordinary investors luxury resort properties at bargain prices – their slice of paradise and financial security.
Over nearly a decade, more than 8,000 people handed over £400 million. Many bet their entire pension pots on Ames' vision.
But behind Ames’ slick marketing pitch lay financial chaos and systematic deception. While investors waited for dream properties, their money funded pirate ships, imported sand that washed away with the tide, and eye-watering sales commissions.
From a local newspaper investigation that exposed the scheme to the Serious Fraud Office's decade-long pursuit of justice, this is the story of how thousands lost everything betting on one man’s vision.
Featuring exclusive interviews with victims, investigators, and industry insiders, The Lost Caribbean Millions reveals the human cost of one of Britain's biggest investment frauds.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With the chief suspect behind bars, some of their closest associates are ready to talk.
Gently, over the course of nearly a year, reporters George Odling and Andy Jehring follow a trail. Their enquiries eventually lead them to one person, who they believe might have some key information. One day, in a taxi coming back from a job in Europe, Andy gets a call… and it’s the stuff of journalists’ dreams.
A source tells them that he knows where the diamonds are.
So, armed with a terrifying briefing from a former British Army officer, a pair of burner phones, and the prospect of spending the rest of their lives looking over their shoulders for professional gangsters, Andy and George head back to Serbia to meet their man.
If you think you might have some information, please, drop us a line. Please send any tips hsl@dailymail.co.uk
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Reporters: Andy Jehring and George Odling
Producer: Julia Webster
Sound Design: Jarek Zaba and John Scott
Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm
Executive Producers: Jamie East and Bella Soames
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Join The Crime Desk now get early access to new seasons of Heists, Scams & Lies before anyone else. Plus, you'll get exclusive weekly bonus episodes of our award-winning podcast The Trial, ad-free listening across all of our shows, and early access to brand-new true crime shows. Become a member today at thecrimedesk.com.
Presenters: George Odling, Andy Jehring
Series Producer: Ósk Petursdottir
Sound Design: John Scott
Executive Producer: Bella Soames
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.