Defendant acquitted in multi-million pound “boiler room” fraud (Operation Balaban)

Simon Baker represented CC, the main director of two investment brokerage firms, who was acquitted of conspiracy to defraud investors in relation to the sale of millions of pounds of carbon credits and diamonds as investments.

The case at Southwark Crown Court came to an abrupt end during the fifth week of the trial following defence submissions as to the reliability of the main prosecution expert, Andrew Ager, and in relation to serious disclosure failures by investigating officers and the CPS. After hearing evidence and submissions in the absence of the jury, the Prosecution conceded that there was no realistic prospect of a conviction or of a fair trial ever being able to take place. The jury were therefore discharged and not guilty verdicts were entered.

Simon was instructed by James Devane at HKH Kenwright & Cox.

For further information, see The Telegraph and the Times.