Merlin Biosciences
Overview
Merlin Biosciences was founded in 1996 by Christopher Evans. The aim of the company was to raise funds from investors to help support small, innovative bioscience companies.[1]
Serious Fraud Office Investigation
In September 2005 Merlin Biosciences was placed under investigations by the Serious Fraud Office and the City of London Police following claims that around £2.5m was misappropriated from company funds to invest in Energist and Miracle Light. A four year investigation ensued but was subsequently dropped with the Serious Fraud Office stating it would "not be bringing any charges as a result of its investigation into the affairs of Merlin Biosciences. The Serious Fraud Office launched its enquiries in 2005 following a referral from the Financial Services Authority. Following a detailed review of the evidence gathered in the course of a thorough investigation, it has been concluded that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction."[2]
Affiliations
- Merlin Biosciences was a donor to the Science Media Centre in 2002, 2003 and 2004 according to the SMC.[3]
Notes
- ↑ Heather Tomlinson, 'Fraud inquiry at pioneering biotech firm', 27 September 2005.
- ↑ Alistair Dawber, 'Sir Christopher Evans in the clear as SFO gives up fraud inquiry', The Independent, 13 November 2009.
- ↑ Data from Internet Archive holdings of the Science Media Centre website, 2002-2013.
- Apr 2003 http://web.archive.org/web/20030625193943/http://www.sciencemediacentre.org/aboutus/fundingsystem.html
- Nov 2003 http://web.archive.org/web/20040214043237/http://www.sciencemediacentre.org/funding.htm
- Oct 2004 http://web.archive.org/web/20041205182639/http://www.sciencemediacentre.org/funding.htm
