Two men from Devon face joint charges of fraud, with alleged victims in the USA, Germany, Italy and Spain.
Joseph Birch, 62, and Grit Birch, 45, formerly of Higher Lowton Farm, North Tawton, Devon, were charged on Tuesday 17 March 2015 with offences under The Proceeds of Crime 2002 and The Fraud Act 2006.
They both face eight joint charges; three offences of removing or converting criminal property, four offences of fraud by false representation and one charge of possessing articles for use in the course of, or in connection with, fraud.
Joseph Birch also faces a separate charge of possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.
The money laundering offences are alleged to have been committed between July 2003 and February 2010, with victims from the USA, Germany, Italy and Spain.
The allegations include references to companies that Joseph and Grit Birch ran, namely Phlorian Racing Ltd, Birchwood Stud Ltd, Ultimate Elite Ltd and Energy Enterprises International Ltd.
Joseph Birch was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Exeter Magistrates’ Court today, Wednesday March 18.
Grit Birch was bailed to appear at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on March 31.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here