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 Forex 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.
The individuals are each 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.
A person who contravenes Section 21(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 can be punished on indictment by a fine and/or up to two years’ imprisonment.
