Green boss denies £1.2million fraud (From Southend Standard)
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Green boss denies £1.2million fraud
2:54pm Thursday 21st February 2013 in Echo News Exclusive By Jon Austin
Matthew Ames with Jack Charlton at a Forestry for Life launch
A GREEN company boss accused of selling “carbon credits” and teak tree investments that did not exist has denied two counts of fraud.
Matthew Ames, 36, from Goldfinch Lane, Thundersley, ran Forestry for Life and The Investor Club, from offices in Dunton Road, Laindon.
The firms, which were promoted by sports big wigs, including Jack Charlton and Sir Rodney Walker, went into voluntary liquidation in March 2011 owing creditors £1.2million between them.
No one else was arested or charged during the City of London Police investigation.
Ames appeared at the Old Bailey today and pleaded not guilty to a charge of fraud by false representation and another of fraudulent trading.
He was bailed to appear for trial at the court in September on grounds he lives at his home address and surrenders his passport to police unless he needs it to travel in connection with his work.
