Narinder Singh “Tony” Bala was charming, persuasive, and knew exactly when to show up. For three women, he arrived at their most vulnerable moments, after grief or rebuilding after heartbreak. Each believed they had found a friend, a confidant, someone who understood. What they got instead was deception, as he presented himself as a highly successful investment trader. Using fake documents from a legitimate investment holding company, he was able to defraud his victims of tens of thousands of pounds.
Support in a Time of Sorrow
April 2020 was a difficult and unsettling time for many. The UK had gone into lockdown, and daily life had been upended. Just a few weeks into lockdown, one woman unexpectedly lost her husband and was left isolated and grieving alone.
During this time, Tony an old friend of her late husband reached out to her, offering sympathy and regular check-ins. When lockdown restrictions were lifted, Tony visited the woman on several occasions, presenting himself as a source of support. However, his true intention was far from caring.
Soon after, Tony persuaded her into handing over £50,000, assuring her it would be repaid within three months. The money was never returned. Not only had the woman lost her husband, but she was also betrayed by someone she trusted, a person who exploited her grief.
A Chance for a Fresh Start
In July 2020, as the country adjusted after the first lockdown, another woman decided to try dating again. Having been divorced for four years, she was ready to open herself up to new possibilities and joined Tinder. That’s when she met Tony. He was charming and convincing. Their relationship developed into a close friendship, and she believed she had found someone trustworthy.
By October 2021, Tony had persuaded her to invest £10,000 in what he claimed to be a legitimate opportunity. The following year, in March/April 2022, he convinced her to empty her pension and give him £100,000 to invest in a futures scheme he claimed was based in Chicago.
None of it was real. The investment did not exist. Tony kept every penny and never repaid any of the money. She had not only lost her savings but had been deceived by someone who took advantage of her willingness to believe in something new after years of rebuilding.
Searching for Stability
In January 2023, a third woman was rebuilding her life after a divorce. Having left a matrimonial home of 27 years, she was searching for an investment opportunity with her modest divorce settlement. Tony quickly learned of her circumstances and saw an opportunity. Gaining her trust, Tony persuaded her to hand over £15,000. By May, he tried again, convincing her to send another £10,000. Thankfully, the bank intervened, blocked the transaction, and informed her that Tony was declared bankrupt.
It was only then that the full reality became clear: Tony had vanished with the money she entrusted to him, leaving her with nothing in return.
From Strangers to a Shared Journey
Despite reporting Tony to ActionFraud and three separate police forces, each woman was dismissed or overlooked. Living in different parts of the country, none knew others were suffering the same experience. For a time, it seemed Tony would face no consequences.
But through coincidence, social media, and the determination of a campaigner, a friend of one of the women, they were finally connected. Together, they uncovered the full extent of Tony’s deception and brought their stories to light.
They turned to James Watson of Watson Woodhouse Solicitors for support and pursued a private criminal prosecution. Their case was heard; their evidence was believed and finally Tony was convicted on all counts.
Real Support, Real Action
Unfortunately, cases like this are becoming more common. When public authorities are stretched or unable to act, many people are left without answers or support. Private prosecutions offer a powerful route to justice when the system falls short. If you believe you have a case, contact our team today on 01642 247656 or use our contact form, and we will call you back.