Courts / Dublin / Report

Court freezes retirement fund of UK film producer accused of being involved in alleged fraud

Summary

The Irish High Court froze a retirement fund worth £167,000 held by a Dublin‑registered financial services company for Mr Michael 'Lionella Boscardi' Cowan, a UK film producer under investigation for alleged fraud. The order followed a UK request to recognise a 2017 external freezing by a London court, applied under the 2008 Criminal Mutual Assistance Act. The court heard that UK authorities suspect Cowan and others of defrauding 246 investors of £11.2 million between 2012 and 2016, laundering the money through various company accounts, banks, third‑party disbursements and personal expenses. Investors were reportedly offered high‑return film‑investment opportunities linked to UK tax relief, directed to pay entities tied to films that never materialised, and received certificates allegedly signed by Cowan. Cowan denies wrongdoing, claims stress and autism, and says he was a victim of fraud. The retirement policy, paid for with investor funds, began before the alleged fraud. The High Court adjourned the matter.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Court freezes retirement fund of UK film producer accused of being involved in alleged fraud. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2012 and 2016 Other
• 2018-10-26 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Fraud Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report