Scottish fraud suspect put on FBI's 'most wanted' list

A Scottish securities broker has been added to the FBI's "most wanted" list for his suspected involvement in a precious metals scam.

James Ward, 65, from Glasgow, is alleged to taken $400,000 (£314,000) from would-be investors in gold, silver and platinum.

The FBI say 12 or more people parted with money over a three year period, but no precious metals were ever supplied.

He went on the run after being charged in Florida with wire fraud in 2012, following the allegedly fraudulent transactions which took place between September 2007 and March 2010.

His Wanted poster on the FBI website describes him as 5' 8" and weighing 11 stone.  It says his hair is blonde but warns "may change his hair color frequently".

Investigators said: "Ward allegedly operated an entity called Kastle & Hawk, Inc., which solicited investors to buy precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum on a leveraged basis.

"Instead of investing the approximately $400,000 Ward received from at least 12 investors, Ward allegedly used the money for his own personal use and benefit.

"No precious metals were ever acquired for investors."

The agency added that Mr Ward, who has spent time living in Miami Beach, Florida, may travel to the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI or the American Embassy.