Summary
Two men have been charged with conspiracy to defraud after the failure of a pre-paid funeral company, Safe Hands Plans Ltd, which left around 46,000 customers financially impacted. The charges are part of an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office. The collapse occurred before new regulations for pre-paid funeral providers took effect.
Key Facts
- The company involved, Safe Hands Plans Ltd, collapsed in 2022.
- About 46,000 customers lost money due to the company's failure.
- The Serious Fraud Office has charged Richard Wells and Neil Debenham with conspiracy to defraud.
- Richard Wells was the former director of SHP Capital Holdings Ltd, the parent company.
- Neil Debenham was referred to as a senior executive.
- The charged individuals are scheduled to appear in court on 5 February.
- Since July 2022, pre-paid funeral services need regulatory approval from the Financial Conduct Authority.
- Safe Hands was one of many companies operating without regulation before these new rules.
