CONCERNS about a Basildon-based Caribbean resort investment scheme have been raised with the Government.


The Insolvency Service has referred the case of Harlequin Property to Jo Swinson, minister for consumer affairs in the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.

The service has also launched an investigation into the business, which is based in Honywood Road, Basildon, and sells luxury resort accommodation.

Mrs Swinson was told the Insolvency Service’s Companies Investigation Branch was investigating, but asked not to comment if approached by the media.

The BBC’s current affairs show, Panorama, is investigating the company, following up on the Echo’s coverage of the issue.
 

The branch examines the conduct of company directors, and has the power to ban them from holding directorships.
 

We reported last month Harlequin had filed to put its sister sales company into administration.
 

The Serious Fraud Office, Essex Police and the Financial Conduct Authority have all confirmed they are investigating Harlequin.
 

Harlequin has taken more than £300million in deposits from investors to build at least 6,000 holiday rooms or villas in six Caribbean resorts.

So far it has built only 300.
 

The company vehemently denies any wrongdoing and says its group remains strong and investors’ money secure, despite the application to put its sales arm into administration.