Three charged over £1m fraud at failed Knutsford dealership

Three people have been charged with fraud in connection to alleged offences topping £1 million at a car dealership in Knutsford.

Detectives began investigating VIP Car Sales in March 2017 following claims from dozens of motorists who reported losing thousands of pounds when the showroom went into liquidation.

The Mereside Road business petitioned for insolvency in November 2016 was issued a winding-up order the following March and placed into compulsory liquidation.

After nearly eight years of investigations, Cheshire Police have now charged Richard Gleave, Rachel Gleave, and Mark East with fraudulent trading, in violation of Section 993 of the Companies Act 2006.

The offences, which affected more than 40 car buyers, are said to have taken place between May 2013 and March 2017 with the total value of the alleged crimes exceeding £1m.

In addition to the fraudulent trading charges, Richard Gleave faces a separate charge of theft.

The three suspects are scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on February 12.