A HARLOW man has been charged following an investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Luke Desmaris, aged 30, of Harlow as well as two others were charged with one count of communicating an invitation to engage in investment activity, contrary to section 21(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

Charles Hunter, Kayan Kalipha and Luke Desmaris appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, each individually charged with an offence relating to their social media posts.

The individuals – often referred to as ‘finfluencers’ – are alleged to have encouraged social media followers to invest in foreign exchange (forex or FX) trading through high-risk products known as contracts for difference, without having the authorisation to promote these investments.

The charges follow the FCA’s announcement in June 2025 of a coordinated global enforcement action targeting illegal financial promotions by finfluencers across multiple jurisdictions. As part of that operation, the FCA authorised criminal proceedings against these three individuals.

All three defendants pleaded not guilty and will appear at Southwark Crown Court for a hearing on 8 October 2025.

Anyone who believes they have suffered loss in relation to this matter is encouraged to contact the FCA consumer contact centre on 0800 111 6768 (freephone).