The 79th Group Halts Payments Amid Fraud Probe

In a move that has alarmed investors across the UK and internationally, The 79th Group has suspended all interest and redemption payments on its loan notes. The announcement comes on the heels of a City of London Police investigation into suspected widespread fraud. Four individuals connected to the company have been arrested and released on bail.

We’ve been tracking developments closely and previously reported on this unfolding situation in our blog  here and here.

The 79th Group Facing Serious Difficulties

The suspension of interest and redemptions is a clear indication that The 79th Group is facing serious financial and legal difficulties. Although distressing for loan note holders, the news comes as no surprise to Insolvency & Law. We began our investigation into The 79th Group as far back as 2022, after early warning signs and investor reports triggered our suspicions.

Since 2023, solicitors Ben Mather, Katherine Mills and Graham Smalls of JMW Solicitors have repeatedly acted on behalf of The 79th Group to try and shut down our intelligence-led content through Letters Before Action, threatening legal proceedings unless we removed online content.

Given the aggressive tone and persistence of JMW’s legal correspondence, serious questions must now be asked:

Did Mather, Mills and Smalls play a key role in shielding The 79th Group from scrutiny—allowing the company to continue its activities unchecked and causing greater harm to investors?

The situation regarding The 79th Group’s interest payments and redemptions is both complex and troubling. Here’s a summary:

The 79th Group Suspension of Interest Payments

The temporary halt of interest payments has understandably caused alarm among investors—particularly those who relied on regular payments as a source of income. Moreover, marketers promoted these loan notes as secure, high-return investment opportunities, supposedly backed by tangible real estate assets. The sudden suspension now casts doubt on those claims and the true state of the company’s finances.

Redemption Payments

Redemption payments—the repayment of the principal amount on its maturity date, have also been frozen. Investors reaching their maturity dates now find themselves facing uncertainty. This inability to meet redemption obligations is additionally troubling, as it suggests liquidity issues or an inability to meet basic obligations.
For many, this is a wake-up call to the potential instability or insolvency the company may be facing.

Reason for Suspension

The company has cited “significant financial risks” as the reason for halting payments. It’s widely believed these risks stem from the allegations of “suspected widespread fraud”. The 79th Group is under formal scrutiny, and authorities are now investigating the extent of its financial exposure and the validity of its investment products.

Investigation of Fraud

The City of London Police is actively investigating The 79th Group for suspected widespread fraud. The group had been promoting a range of investment schemes—including loan notes—with promises of fixed, high-yield returns backed by property.  However, it seems the authorities suspect  that these investments warrant legal scrutiny.

Impact on Investors

For loan note holders, the situation is precarious. With both interest and redemption payments suspended, the situation leaves investors in the dark about the future of their funds. There is now a real risk that some may never recover their principal. The freeze on payments has also exposed potential weaknesses in the security and legitimacy of the investment instruments offered.

Next Steps for Investors: Act Now

Insolvency & Law Ltd (I&L) has taken a legal assignment of certain loan note debts for enforcement and recovery.

Disclaimer: 

 Insolvency & Law Ltd does not act as a firm of solicitors or as licensed insolvency practitioners. We do not carry out any regulated activities as defined under the Legal Services Act 2007 or the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. All information and commentary concerning The 79th Group, including that published via our blogs and podcasts, is made available free of charge for informational and educational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal or investment advice.

In suitable circumstances, I&L may take legal assignment of loan notes issued by 79th Group companies and act in its own name and at its own cost and risk to pursue enforcement and recovery. Loan note holders assigning claims to I&L are not exposed to the cost of such action.

For enquiries concerning The 79th Group, please contact: investigations@insolvencyandlaw.co.uk