This is the report from the Devon and Cornwall Police Force

Dear Sir or Madam,
Following the submission of a full evidential file to the Crown Prosecution Service seven people associated with Crown Currency Exchange Ltd, Crown Holdings Ltd and Mayfair & Grant Ltd have been charged with criminal offences.

  • Peter Benstead aged 70 from Penzance charged with offences of fraudulent trading, money laundering, perverting the course of justice, theft, deception, false accounting and companies act offences.
  • Edward James aged 73 years from Glastonbury charged with fraudulent trading, false accounting and companies act offences.
  • Julian Benstead aged 44 years from Penzance charged with fraudulent trading and theft.
  • Katey Calvimonte aged 35 years from Penzance charged with deception, and perverting the course of justice.
  • Roderick Schmidt aged 44 years from Penzance charged with fraudulent trading, perverting the course of justice, theft, false accounting and companies act offences.
  • Victoria O’Brien aged 37 years from Welwyn, Hertfordshire charged with perverting the course of justice.
  • Stephen Matthews aged 50 years from Penzance charged with fraudulent trading, theft, false accounting and companies act offences.

All seven have been released on bail to appear before Westminster Magistrates in London on 17th September 2013. It is anticipated that the defendants will be committed to the Crown Court and a trial date will be set in due course.
There is no requirement for any witness to attend the court. Should any witness be required to give evidence that will be at the Crown Court and they will be advised individually beforehand.
The police investigation by the Force’s Economic Crime Unit into the failure of these companies has, as you will be aware, been ongoing for 2 years and 9 months. This has been due to the complexity and nature of offences and I thank you for your patience.
The matter remains sub judice so I am unable to provide further information.
Devon and Cornwall police remains committed to representing the interests of all persons who have suffered a loss as a result of the failure of these companies.
Paul Bean
Detective Chief Inspector
Devon and Cornwall Police
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