Convicted fraudster handed fifth prison sentence

Dr Gerald Martin Smith, currently in prison for Covid loan fraud, has been imprisoned for an additional 13 months for obstructing the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) from seizing his properties on behalf of the taxpayer.  

The SFO uncovered that Smith sought to obstruct the confiscation of a flat by arranging for an acquaintance, London-based ophthalmologist Dr Robert Morris, to transfer ownership of his Bloomsbury property to a British Virgin Island’s company called Minardi Investments Ltd that Smith secretly controlled.  

Smith also changed the locks and arranged for two tenants to occupy the flat to further obstruct the selling of the property. 

SFO investigators also found that Smith breached an order limiting his spending until he pays back criminal assets by receiving regular funds from his brother, Anthony Smith.  

Smith - in receipt of money from his brother - spent over £53,000 over 19 months at luxury restaurants in central London, as well as holidaying in Mallorca.   

Nick Ephgrave QPM, Director, Serious Fraud Office:     

“We are determined to prevent criminals benefiting from their crime and wherever assets are hidden or obstructed, we will go after them. 

“This sentence should serve as a warning to Smith and those assisting him that we won’t stop in our recovery and enforcement of court orders against him.”