Property guru faces fraud charges after journalist wins court date

Property ‘guru’ and property investment ‘trainer’ Glenn Armstrong (pictured) now faces 45 counts of fraud by false representation and failing to disclose information, it has been revealed.

Journalist Chris Mitchell, who was instrumental in investigating Armstrong, is bringing a private prosecution after the police, Action Fraud, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Serious Fraud Office failed to take any significant proceedings against Armstrong.

Armstrong was declared bankrupt in February 2021 after it was revealed he owed dozens of creditors.

Trophy mansion

Last August, his infamous £3 million seven-bedroom ‘trophy mansion’ that he often used within his marketing effort to persuade investors to back projects was repossessed by bailiffs.

He has now been served with a summons seen by LandlordZONE to attend Westminster Magistrates’ Court (main picture) on 6th September as Mitchell says it was the logical alternative.

Mitchell, who is not appearing as a witness in court, tells LandlordZONE that he became frustrated by the authorities’ inaction and has 47 witness statements to support the case.

Creditors

He explains that if his private prosecution proves successful, creditors owed money by Armstrong would be eligible to claim funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act where they could get an even bigger share.

“I’m expecting it to be referred straight to the crown court,” he adds. “The offences are category one which could result in a 10-year prison sentence – I’m very confident of a positive outcome. I’ll be representing myself at the first hearing but then a barrister would take over.”

Private prosecutions can be brought by any individuals under section 6(1) Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 and proceed in the same way as any prosecution brought by the Crown, but the police and CPS play no part. 

Armstrong has gone to ground since his bankruptcy was announced.