Woman to face $15m fraud trial

Jacqui Bradley (left) is accused of fleecing investors of nearly $15 million. File photo

An Auckland woman accused of defrauding investors of $15 million will go to trial next year.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) laid 87 charges against Jacqueline and Michael Bradley under the Crimes Act, alleging the couple defrauded investors of millions through their B'On Financial Services company.

The SFO alleges the couple, while co-directors of B'On Financial Services, used investors' money to fund their lifestyle and repay earlier investors.

Jacqueline Lyndsay Bradley now faces the 87 charges alone, as her husband died earlier this year.

Bradley's lawyer Ron Mansfield appeared for his client in the Auckland District Court today as she had been excused from the courtroom.

Mr Mansfield said he was working through a "substantial" amount of evidence in relation to the case.

Judge Roy Wade said a trial for the case had been set down for five weeks, beginning on August 6 next year.

Lawyers would meet an appointed judge for a conference on Wednesday June 6 to discuss trial matters, he said.

The Companies Office began investigating the couple last year after complaints laid by investors, and after four of the firms jointly run by the couple went into liquidation.

The SFO laid charges last year relating to 24 investors who invested a total of $14,423,702 as well as A$841,303 between April 2003 and November 2009, after an extensive investigation.

Outside the court, SFO investigating lawyer Hillary Walker said although an indictment had been served, the 87 original charges against Bradley still stood.

Bradley's bail continues.