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Two Charged After Collapse of Funeral Firm Safe Hands Affected 46,000 People
Two executives face conspiracy to defraud charges after Safe Hands Plans collapsed, leaving 46,000 plan holders exposed and creditors claiming £70.6 million, the Serious Fraud Office said.
- The Serious Fraud Office charged Richard Wells, residing in Spain, and Neil Debenham, of Norwich, with conspiracy to defraud, the SFO said this marks a critical step.
- After collapsing into administration in 2022, Safe Hands Plans failed to secure regulatory approval for sales, and the SFO opened its probe in 2023 into Safe Hands and SHP Capital Holdings.
- Around 46,000 plan holders were left exposed and administrators reported creditors claiming around £70.6 million after the company's collapse.
- Wells and Debenham will next face magistrates on February 5 at Westminster Magistrates' Court; Wells is residing in Spain while Debenham is based in Norwich.
- The SFO's probe encompasses Safe Hands and parent SHP Capital Holdings, with the SFO saying the scheme marketed peace of mind to tens of thousands of people described as vulnerable.
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18 Articles
18 Articles
Two charged following the collapse of funeral firm that left tens of thousands of Britons out of pocket
The Serious Fraud Office has brought charges against two men in connection with the collapse of pre-paid funeral provider Safe Hands Plans Ltd, which left 46,000 Britons out of pocket
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left2Leaning Right2Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 17%
C 67%
R 16%
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