Police investigate a £250m Anglesey resort development over suspected fraud, arresting four in the process.
The 79th Group, based in Southport, owns the development at Penrhos Coastal Park, near Holyhead. Plans include nearly 500 luxury lodges. The site was meant for the community in 1971.
The first lodges were to open by summer 2025. Anglesey Council initially welcomed the news, looking forward to working with the company. Police have now arrested four people, and searched five properties in doing so. They seized cash, weapons, and luxury items.
Those arrested were later released on bail. The police investigation, called “Operation Mold,” continues. They asked for information about the company.
The 79th Group offered loan notes to investors, promising high interest rates. They said funds would be used for real estate and aviation. The company claimed to specialize in managing assets, offering investments secured against properties.
Returns ranged from 12% to 15%. The company also advertised mining for resources. Police urged anyone contacted by the 79th Group to contact them. Penrhos Coastal Park lies within Anglesey’s National Landscape area.
Planning consent was agreed back in 2016, and a legal challenge failed in court. Landowner Land and Lakes sold the site. The planned development was valued at £250 million.
Plans included holiday lodges, a restaurant, a pool, spa, gym, and sports pitches. The 79th group said it would use its own funds. Anglesey Council is aware of the police probe.
They are very concerned about the allegations and will not comment further at this time. The 79th Group called Penrhos their biggest project.
They vowed to work with local councils to meet community expectations and pledged over £1 million to local projects. The managing director looked forward to developing the site.
He wanted to protect the environment and said it would allow families to see the area. The plan has been controversial with locals, who value the site’s woodlands and beach. Residents funded a court challenge in 2022.
A campaign leader wants community ownership, saying it would protect the park. She wants residents to make decisions, preventing commercial development. Police asked people contacted by the 79th Group to fill out a questionnaire.