MoJ confirms investigation of Cartel Client Review

MANCHESTER-based claims management firm Cartel Client Review is being investigated, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed.

A spokesperson for the Claims Management Regulator today said: “The Claims Management Regulator is investigating Cartel Client Review Ltd and associated businesses.

“We are not able to comment on the specific issues we are investigating as to do so could jeopardise the progress and outcome of these investigations.”

The £10m+ turnover firm, which is headquartered at Universal Square in Manchester, had denied claims by the BBC that it is being investigated, following customer complaints.

The BBC reported that the investigation follows complaints from customers who have paid the company hundreds of pounds to get credit cards and loans written off, or to get compensation on their mortgages.

However, it said many are still waiting for their cases to be resolved two years later, despite being told it would take between six months to a year, and being promised their money back if a claim is not successful.

Cartel told the BBC the delays are because it has been waiting for judgements in court and added there has never been an issue with refunding cases. Cartel said it has “always maintained a strong relationship with the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Ministry of Justice.”

Talking to TheBusinessDesk in September, Carl Wright, founder and chief executive of Cartel, said: “Claims companies seem in general to have a very bad reputation in the eye of the consumer. The individuals involved are not the most trustworthy in business life.

“Therefore when a good company with a good product and services comes onto the market with ethics and integrity it stands out like a sore thumb. But also, people who can’t stack up engage in mudslinging.”

Cartel  this afternoon said in a statement that it is consulting solicitors following the claims, which it added were “false and misleading”.