Corinth Group: Warning for Australian Investors

This page provides information for Australian investors who have been approached by or paid fees to the Corinth Group of Switzerland, and outlines reporting options in Australia.

The Risk to Australian Investors

The Corinth Group operates from Switzerland and the United Kingdom, targeting companies globally with offers of corporate financing. Australian companies seeking growth capital or international financing may be approached by Corinth representatives or agents. The pattern described by 30+ complainants worldwide involves advance fees of EUR 30,000 to EUR 500,000 collected under term sheets, with no financing ever delivered [Complainant reports across 7 jurisdictions].

Regulatory Status

No Corinth Group entity holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). The group is not registered with ASIC. Any entity offering financial services to Australian investors without an AFSL or relevant exemption may be operating unlawfully under the Corporations Act 2001 [ASIC register].

How to Report in Australia

• ASIC: Report unlicensed financial services — asic.gov.au
• Australian Federal Police (AFP): Report international fraud — afp.gov.au
• ACCC Scamwatch: Report scams — scamwatch.gov.au
• Your bank: Contact fraud department to report the transaction and explore recovery options

Cross-Border Recovery

Australian victims can pursue recovery through Swiss civil proceedings (the entities are registered in Switzerland) or UK proceedings (for UK-incorporated entities). Australian lawyers can coordinate with Swiss and UK counsel. The Lugano Convention facilitates enforcement of judgments between the UK and Switzerland.

Key Facts

• No Corinth entity holds an AFSL
• Not registered with ASIC
• Report to ASIC, AFP, ACCC Scamwatch
• Cross-border recovery possible through Swiss/UK proceedings
• 30+ complainants worldwide describe identical pattern

Complaint Reports

People Involved

Related Entities

Related Investigations