POLICE and The Gurkha Welfare Trust are appealing to the region's Nepalese community to come forward if they have been targeted by a £50m fraud.

Since October 2014, City of London Police has been investigating Capital World Market (CWM’s) managed fund which claimed to offer five per cent interest a month.

During this time, potential victims have told detectives how they invested anything from a few thousand pounds to millions with London-based CWM, with little or no return. They included many retired Gurkha soldiers who invested their life savings.

It is believed there are hundreds of potential victims of the Ponzi scheme, with the majority from the Gurkha and Nepalese community.

Catterick Garrison has one of the UK’s largest Nepalese population - of nearly 1,400 - who have been brought to Catterick Garrison and York, to serve in the Gurkha regiment.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Manley said: “There is evidence to suggest representatives of CWM targeted hundreds of members of the Gurkha and Nepalese community and then exploited them to defraud millions of pounds.

“My concern now is that the voices of the majority of victims will not be heard in the judicial process if they do not come forward very soon.

“They are also missing out on receiving the financial advice and psychological support that is available to them.”

Thirteen people have been arrested from on suspicion of fraud and money laundering.

Gary Ghale, of The Gurkha Welfare Trust, added: “All those who come forward will be treated with care and dealt with in complete confidence by what is a highly trained team of detectives.”

The investigation team can be reached on 020 7601 6830. Alternatively investors can report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or opvanburgh@cityoflondon.pnn.police.uk

The video appeal can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/9t-1_An6azQ?list=PLoWZUquVJo4QewvJTESs3HDwr8Mem6fh6