Adam Moore-Lynch
Fraud *
Sentence
5 years and 1 month imprisonment
Adam Moore-Lynch, 28, founded Manchester Watch Hub in October 2020 with his step-father, later taking over as director. The company specialised in selling high-value prestige watches, such as Rolexs, on the second-hand market, initially operating legitimately from premises in Salford Quays and then King Street in Manchester city centre. From August 2023, facing a fall in the second-hand market value and sudden collapse, Moore-Lynch began operating a Ponzi scheme by robbing Peter to pay Paul. He defrauded 45 victims of £1,160,460 between August and November 2023 by selling consigned watches without returning proceeds, selling watches left for repair, providing falsified bank statements and postage forms, and misleading or ignoring clients who had trusted the professional setup and celebrity customers. Victims lost sums up to £166,000 or £119,000, intended for house deposits or weddings, causing significant financial and emotional devastation. The stolen watches have not been recovered and were likely sold to unsuspecting buyers.
Pleaded guilty to one count of carrying on a business with intent to defraud creditors, one count of converting criminal property, and four counts of fraud. Banned from being a company director for 7 years. Judge noted the business started legitimately but turned dishonest due to financial troubles. Defendant had led a blameless life prior and has since lost everything, including reputation and friends.