City of London Police launch investigation into 79th Group, which recently acquired holiday project on shores of Loch Ness

An investigation into an investment company has seen four people arrested and a large sum of cash, luxury watches, and jewellery seized.

Police are investigating a suspected widespread fraud case where a company named the 79th Group is believed to be offering loan notes to investors with a high interest return over a fixed period.

The 79th Group, which has recently acquired a £15 million luxury holiday lodge project in Drumnadrochit, on the shores of Loch Ness, operates in real estate, claiming to specialise in the acquisition, management, and development of lucrative assets.

They offer investment opportunities selling loan notes secured against properties.

Investors are contacted by various third-party introducers offering the opportunity to invest with fixed returns between 12 per cent for a minimum £10,000 investment and 15 per cent for a minimum £25,000 investment.

The 79th Group, which is based in Southport, Merseyside, tell investors that funds are used for real estate, wealth and aviation.

Another area of business advertised under the group is mining for natural resources in countries such as Canada and Guinea.

The company’s website explains its “strategic purchase” of the Loch Ness holiday lodge aligns with its “ongoing mission to grow [its] real estate portfolio and capitalise on the increasing demand for high-end holiday lodges in sought after destinations across the UK”.

A description says the development will include the construction of 30-plus luxury two, three, and four-bedroom lodges that will be ready before the end of 2025.

So far, The City of London Police have arrested four people in connection with 79th Group.

A large amount of cash, luxury watches, and jewellery were found during searches of properties, all of which were seized.

All people arrested have been released on bail, and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone who has been contacted by investors from the 79th Group, or is working on behalf of the 79th Group, should contact the City of London Police immediately.

To submit information, people are asked to contact the City of London Police by completing a questionnaire on the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP).

You can do this here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4801020124P65-PO1

A spokesperson for The Seventy Ninth Group said: “The Seventy Ninth Group categorically denies any wrongdoing following claims recently made public by the City of London police.

”Since the events of last week, we have been working diligently with our legal advisers to address the claims made as part of the investigation, while also providing information to business partners and other stakeholders.

“The company has also appointed independent forensic accountants to conduct a comprehensive review of the business.

“The Seventy Ninth Group remains committed to servicing its clients in the UK and across the globe.”