Do you smell a rat? How to sniff out fraud in property development
Kate McMahon, who successfully prosecuted a businessman of 11 counts of fraud offences relating to a failed property redevelopment in Knightsbridge recently, explains the background to the case - and offers some tips on how to avoid getting caught up in dodgy dealings…

Kate is a specialist, dual-qualified prosecutor. Prior to founding Edmonds Marshall McMahon, Kate prosecuted for the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) where she worked as a senior lawyer on some of the UK’s largest criminal prosecutions, including the “Innospec” case. This was the first global settlement in the UK and involved systemic corruption by a UK/USA company in Iraq and Indonesia. The case resulted in a US$12.7 million fine in the UK and a US$14.1 million fine in the USA and successful prosecutions of the Company Directors and employees. Kate now specialises in cases involving serious fraud, serious and violent crime, international crime and perverting the course of justice.
Developers contribute £6bn a year to community infrastructure projects
New CIL reforms mean local councils now have to declare developers' contributions and how levies are spent
By PrimeResi
Native Land & Rogers Stirk Harbour win South Kensington Tube development gig
Transport for London picks Native Land as its preferred Development Partner
By PrimeResi
Property developers to face two new taxes to pay for cladding scandal bill
Robert Jenrick has announced that residential property developers will face two new levies, starting in 2022, to pay for some essential fire safety works on high rise buildings, following 2017's Grenfell…
Companies in this article
Edmonds Marshall McMahonMost read
Super-prime agent & social media star launches ‘game-changing’ property brokerage
One of London's best-known top-end agents has set up a 'forward-thinking' luxury property brokerage that 'understands the power of storytelling & digital influence in a new era of property.'
By PrimeResi
Super-prime developer lines up £225mn scheme in Notting Hill
Valouran continues to build pipeline of landmark projects, unveiling plans for a 'major play' on Westbourne Grove.
DDRE Global brings in major player to realise American ambitions
Anastacia Murray-Watson has joined Daniel Daggers' luxury brokerage after more than 18 years at Knight Frank.
West End office building set for boutique luxury resi conversion
Dukelease & BST England have teamed up to transform a handsome period block on Hallam Street into six high-end apartments.
Salary Survey: What are UK property professionals earning in 2025 – and what do they really value?
New report reveals how salary structures & hiring trends are evolving in response to market conditions & new legislation.
Dexters names new CEO
Estate agency's CFO & Deputy CEO Ash Kashyap steps up to the top job as Andy Shepherd retires.
By PrimeResi
Former Savills Director launches indie buying agency
After a successful career in Edinburgh & London estate agency, Charles McCosh's new venture provides property search services across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire & Hertfordshire.
By PrimeResi
John D Wood & Co. recruits Knight Frank’s Kilgarriff to lead Central London Lettings
A senior KF operator has moved to a key role in Polly Ogden Duffy's team at JDW.
By PrimeResi
Property agency sponsors Olympic swimming champion
Knight Frank says multi-gold medallist James Guy MBE will be an 'inspiring ambassador' for its brand.
Foxtons’ sales revenue jumps 73% to hit a ten-year high
The high-profile agency had a 'very strong start to the year' as buyers scrambled to beat the stamp duty deadline.
LATEST ARTICLES
Prime Purchase recruits SW London specialist
Abigail Frankish has joined the Savills-owned buying agency from Aykroyd & Co.
From the small screen to the big smoke: On 25 years of Location, Location, Location & the re-evaluation of prime London property
Savills' research chief Lucian Cook reflects on the ups and downs of recent years, and how the latest run of events - from a new government to tax changes - could shape the prime property market in 2025.
By Lucian Cook
4 Charts: Exploring prime property buyers’ priorities in 2025
Savills' latest client survey reveals changes in how committed people are to moving home, as well as how top-end budgets have shifted, and how key concerns have evolved in the last year.
By PrimeResi
Kerzner unveils plans for new One&Only resort & resi project in the US
The forthcoming ultra-luxe enclave in Hudson Valley is being developed in partnership with Florida-based Nolan Reynolds International & the Culinary Institute of America.
‘There are clear signs of renewed confidence across PCL’ as deal numbers climb
JLL recorded 13% more residential transactions in Prime Central London in Q1 this year compared to last.
By PrimeResi