Investors sank millions into virtually worthless properties

Investors poured hundreds of millions into unbuilt Caribbean properties of ‘eye-wateringly low’ value, a court heard. David Ames, 70, is accused of conning his victims when he was running developer Harlequin Management Services South East Limited (HMSSE). Prosecutors claim he persuaded them to sign contracts without revealing the true state of affairs at the company, causing a total loss of £226 million. Ames allegedly encouraged investors to purchase the properties before they were built – then failed to give them…