Capital World Markets Fraudster Escaped Trial

Capital World Markets Ltd, which was founded in 2013 in London's financial area, misled investors of £50 million ($61.7 million). This was accomplished by having a posh office in London's Heron Tower, sponsoring different boxing matches, and forming alliances with the prestigious Chelsea Football Club.

After a police raid in March 2015 that saw the arrest of thirteen defendants allegedly involved in a pyramid scheme that promised investors a monthly return of 5% on their investments, the company's operations were put on hold while Constantinou was the only one that faced charges. The deals were cut following the raid and there is no suggestion such entities were aware of the alleged wrongdoing.

The defendant, Anthony Constantinou, is accused of seven offences between 2013 and 2015, including fraudulent trading. Anthony Constantinou ran Capital World Markets Ltd. and is suspected of controlling the clients' money. In 2016, Constantinou himself served a 12-month prison term for sexual assault. His acts were described by the court as being reminiscent of the “Wolf of Wall Street” behaviour.

Constantinou's legal counsel has not yet responded to the charges or detailed their defence in the most recent trial, which started a month ago. The prosecution has claimed in the past that Constantinou faked success by using money from ostensible investments for his own extravagant spending. Several million pounds were spent on Constantinou's wedding and a party to honour his child's first birthday, according to a Bloomberg article from last month.

Judge Perrins informed the jury that Constantinou had voluntarily opted not to be present at Londons Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday for the £50-million fraud lawsuit. He emphasised that the trial would continue without Constantinou and that this decision should not be regarded as an admission of guilt on Constantinou's part. The three-month trial, which started in March, was attended by the defendant, who denies all counts.