Trial date set in 'Powermark fraud' case
Proceedings to begin 1 June
A trial date has been set for the five men charged with conspiracy to defraud several businesses, including VAR Powermark, which went into receivership in 2000.
Christopher Fox, Saleem Akhtar Kiani, Mohammed Ismail, William Lane and Rabnawaz Khan pleaded not guilty to the charges at their first appearance at Sheffield Magistrates Court in September 2000.
They appeared at Sheffield Crown Court last week for pleas and direction, and a judge decided the trial will start on 1 June.
The five are alleged to have set up a number of firms to carry out a variety of fraudulent activities, ranging from accepting payment for management services that were never provided to failing to pay into company pension schemes.
A representative of the Serious Fraud Office confirmed that the men were initially charged on 5 September 2000, but could not comment further because the case is ongoing.