Thursday 05 Jun 2025 @ 12:05
Serious Fraud Office
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SFO investigates alleged multi-million-pound council fraud

Serious Fraud Office announces investigation into Rockfire Investment Finance Plc.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) recently (03 June 2025) issued a series of Section 2 notices compelling financial institutions to provide information on its newly opened investigation into alleged fraud committed against Thurrock Council.

Between 2016 and 2020, Thurrock Council invested millions into solar farms, via a bond scheme sold by the UK-based Rockfire Investment Finance Plc and other companies operating within the Rockfire Group.

Rockfire offered multiple investment opportunities in solar farm bonds, offering a return on investment between 3-6% as well as the return of the initial bond purchase cost. The group has since entered administration.

Thurrock Council was effectively declared bankrupt in December 2022 impacting local residents through council tax rises and cuts to services.

Director of the Serious Fraud Office, Nick Ephgrave QPM, recently said:

Today’s action is a significant step in our investigation concerning this suspected criminality.

We are grateful for the assistance of Essex Police, Thurrock Council and others in the early stages of this enquiry.

Press Office

Email news@sfo.gov.uk

Out of hours press office contact number +44 (0)7557 009842

 

Channel website: https://www.sfo.gov.uk/

Original article link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sfo-investigates-alleged-multi-million-pound-council-fraud

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