A British man accused of involvement in a fraudulent scheme targeting a Canadian couple’s retirement funds claims he has provided evidence to Mexican authorities demonstrating that he did not handle any of the missing money and that he is also a victim of his co-conspirator.
Harry Robinson, aged 66, is alleged to have collaborated with a Mexican individual named Jacqueline Herrera Herrera in defrauding Cindy Thompson and Glenn Brown from Curve Lake, Ontario, of $280,000 by presenting them with a fictitious opportunity to purchase and resell seven condominiums.
Robinson shared with CBC News a memorandum and bank records from HSBC, both submitted to the state attorney general’s office of Quintana Roo, to support his assertion that Herrera redirected Thompson and Brown’s funds through cashier’s cheques and transfers to undisclosed accounts. The memo, dated August 24, claims that Herrera had exclusive control over the account registered under Xen Investments, their former business venture, and had restricted Robinson from accessing or moving the funds.
Although the memo mentioned a lock on the account, no documented evidence was provided to CBC News regarding this claim. The memorandum requested state investigators to secure a court order to identify the individuals associated with the cashier’s cheques and other bank accounts to track the ultimate destination of the funds.
Robinson emphasized the importance of following the money in a fraud case, highlighting the lack of effort in tracing the missing funds. However, the state authorities’ focus has not been on locating the funds but on establishing fraudulent activities by Herrera and Robinson in relation to the condo deal they presented to Thompson and Brown, promising significant profits without actual possession or control of the properties.
The prosecution’s court filings seeking arrest warrants against Herrera and Robinson emphasized the absence of documented proof regarding the promised units and the continuous delays and unfulfilled promises made to Thompson and Brown.
While both individuals obtained stays against the warrants in Mexican federal court, the criminal proceedings at the state level are pending a court date. Robinson expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment by the prosecutor’s office and denied any involvement in criminal activities, citing his clean record and sudden portrayal as a mastermind criminal.
Public records reveal Robinson’s background and international work experience, indicating no previous legal issues. Robinson, who holds Australian citizenship, moved to Mexico in approximately 2020.
Robinson and Herrera’s interactions with Thompson and Brown, involving the alleged condo deal, have led to legal complications and accusations of deceit. Herrera, offering to reimburse part of the missing funds through a court-approved settlement, accused Robinson of further involvement in the scheme. Thompson and Brown are deliberating whether to accept Herrera’s settlement proposal, expressing concerns about the recovery of the remaining funds.
The challenging situation faced by Thompson and Brown highlights the complexities of the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings surrounding the alleged fraud case in Mexico.