LONDON, May 1, 2026 — The Financial Conduct Authority said Friday that three individuals have been arrested as part of an investigation into suspected unlawful financial promotions, according to a statement.
Enforcement action and investigation
The arrests were made in an operation led by the FCA and the Eastern Regional Special Operations Unit, a specialist policing unit tackling serious and organised crime. Two residential properties in the Chelmsford and Romford areas were searched in connection with the investigation.
All three individuals have been interviewed under caution, the FCA said. The investigation remains ongoing.
Regulatory framework and offences
The FCA said it has powers under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to investigate and prosecute unauthorised business activity. Breaches of restrictions on unauthorised financial services and promotions may constitute criminal offences punishable by fines and imprisonment.
Offences related to misleading statements may also carry additional penalties under the Financial Services Act 2012, the FCA said.
Consumer protection context
The FCA said financial promotions from unauthorised firms may signal potential scams and are not subject to regulatory protections. Consumers dealing with unauthorised firms risk losing money without regulatory protections.
The regulator urged consumers to verify firm authorisation before engaging with financial services providers.
