Tenerife links to monster £28m UK timeshare scam that targeted elderly victims
A £28 million timeshare fraud that exploited more than 3,500 victims across the UK, including several in Tenerife, has been exposed, leading to multiple convictions. The elaborate scam, run under the ‘Sell My Timeshare’ brand, was described by prosecutors as one of the largest and most ruthless of its kind, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The scheme was masterminded by Mark and Nicola Rowe, both 54, from Hampshire, who used the proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle. Victims, many in their 70s and 80s, were persuaded to exchange their holiday homes for so-called “Monster Credits” — worthless vouchers promising discounts and investment returns.
Among those caught up in the fraud were several residents and sales staff based in Costa Adeje in the south of Tenerife, where high-pressure meetings were held to convince timeshare owners to part with their money.
Victims were left devastated, with many losing life savings and facing delayed retirements. “It felt like a kick in the guts,” said Des, a 73-year-old from London who lost £14,000 trying to sell his family’s Tenerife timeshare. “They’re scum — living a life of luxury from other people’s misery.”
The investigation, led by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), revealed that Rowe and his wife channelled around £8 million into personal accounts, spending lavishly on art, home renovations, and private jet hire.
Victims were persuaded to buy so-called Monster Rewards which were "worthless" (Source: BBC)
Mark Rowe was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison, while Nicola received a two-year suspended sentence for money laundering. Twelve others were also convicted, including several Tenerife-based accomplices:
- Simon W, 58, of Costa Adeje – four-and-a-half years’ imprisonment
- Jodi B, 43, of El Roque – two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years
- Joanne P, 46, of Los Cristianos, Arona – two-and-a-half years’ imprisonment
Investigators said the fraudsters used professional-looking brochures, adverts, and virtual offices to appear credible. “They preyed on vulnerability and trust,” said Gayle Ramsay of the Crown Prosecution Service. “Many victims died before seeing justice.”
The case serves as a stark warning to timeshare owners and holiday property investors to beware of offers promising quick sales or investment returns.
Offices in Costa Adeje where the fraudsters took their victims. (Source: South West Regional Organised Crime Unit)
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