A bogus medical assistance provider has been wound up in the public interest in the High Court following an investigation by The Insolvency Service.
European Medical Assistance (EMA) claimed to provide worldwide 24-hour medical assistance and repatriation, including by air ambulance, but lacked any ability to provide such services.
David Hill, an investigation supervisor with The Insolvency Service, said: “This company claimed it would help people in their direst need, when they required urgent medical attention.
“In fact it intended to do nothing of the sort but took people’s money in exchange for a sense of reassurance that was utterly unfounded.”
In order to attract clients, EMAwaived requirements for clients to undergo medical examinations prior to joining and provided testimonials from satisfied customers.
However, the company was unable to provide any evidence to support any of these claims or that it had carried out any rescue work.
EMA also offered internships, primarily to American students, taking upfront deposits of approximately £400 from prospective applicants before ceasing all lines of further communication.
The company failed to account for the deposit proceeds.
Neither director Mark Kerbey nor the company cooperated with The Insolvency Service’s investigation, failing to produce any evidence in support of the company’s claimed activities.
David Hill said: “The company cynically took advantage of young people who were keen to gain experience of helping others.
“In winding up this company, the Court is sending a strong message that there is no place in the business arena for organisations like this.”
