A PROPERTY in Dorset was raided as part of an investigation into an alleged £76 million fraud involving luxury care homes.

Officers raided a home in St Leonards as part of an investigation into the Carlauren Group.

One person was arrested at the scene during the raids, which were carried out early on Tuesday morning.

Two people were also arrested during a raid in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire as part of the major fraud investigation.

Owned by Sean Murray, the Carlauren Group operated based on acquiring hotels with a view to converting them into, and then operating them as, luxury care homes for residents.

The group collapsed into administration in November 2019 which left residents with no choice but to vacate the care homes, reportedly leaving over 600 investors out of pocket.

The luxury care home group owned over 23 properties across the UK.

Only nine of these properties became operational and were turned into care homes and some continue to be run as hotels.

The dissolved company also purchased several vehicles allegedly for the company including two Lamborghinis, a Mclaren 570GT, a private jet, and two yachts.

A spokesperson for The Serious Fraud Office said: “Over 600 people and companies invested in the scheme via the purchase of rooms, that were to be rented out to elderly residents, in facilities that boasted of swimming pools, room service, and other luxury amenities.

“Rooms were advertised widely and sold with a guaranteed annual payout and the opportunity to resell the asset back with up to a 25% profit after 10 years.”

Nick Ephgrave QPM, director of the Serious Fraud Office, said: “This company’s abrupt collapse has created turmoil and enormous anxiety for many, with elderly people forced to vacate their homes and investors left with nothing.

“Today’s arrests are a major development in our investigation and a step towards getting the answers so many people need.”