Jun.07, 2010

A young property tycoon from Edinburgh has been charged with ten fraud and money laundering offences, thought to be worth £1.8 million.

26 year-old self styled property developer, Robert Kelbie, was arrested last Thursday at his Edinburgh home and faces five fraud charges and three proceeds of crime allegations, as well as an attempted fraud charge and allegations of being involved in a fraudulent scheme.

The charges relate to three homes, two cars – a Ferrari and Mercedes 4x4 – and acres of land across Edinburgh and Central Scotland, allegedly bought by Kelbie.

Kelbie is listed as a director of Edin Developments Ltd and as well as being an amateur boxer, counts a former Miss Scotland winner, Lois Weatherup, as his girlfriend.

On Friday he appeared from custody under petition at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, along with his 22 year-old sister, Emma Young. He made no plea or declaration, and was bailed. Young was charged with money laundering and involvement with a fraudulent scheme. She too made no plea and was given bail.

Edin Development Ltd, described as a “family run business” on its website, still appears to be trading, with Robert Kelbie even answering the phone number listed on the site. However, he hung up when Bridging & Commercial mentioned the charges against him.