Two former HBOS managers among eight charged in bank fraud investigation

FIVE MEN and three women have been charged in of Britain’s largest fraud investigations.

The charges relate to business loans totalling around £35 million, made through a branch of the Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS).

Charges have been brought against Lynden Scourfield, a former senior executive and his wife Jacqueline, along with former manager Mark Dobson.

David Mills, a former NatWest banker who was involved in the 2002 founding of Quayside Corporate Specialists, a firm specialising in business turnaround and his wife Alison have also been charged.

Michael Bancroft, who also worked for Quayside and his wife Beverley were charged, as was an eighth man, John Cartwright.

The charges brought against the eight include conspiracy to corrupt, money laundering and fraudulent trading following Operation Hornet, an investigation led by Thames Valley Police’s Economic Crimes Unit after the case was referred to them by teh Financial Services Authority. Lasting for two-and-a-half years, the investigation centred on the Reading branch of HBOS in Berkshire.

Mr Scourfield and Mr Dobson were both employed as senior managers at Reading and Bishopsgate in the City and will appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on January 18.