Notice to Victims of Mr David John Mills (formerly known as David John Oneal)
The Director of Public Prosecutions for England and Wales ("the DPP”) is carrying out an investigation into the affairs of Mr David John Mills (formerly known as David John Oneal).
The investigation being carried out is a civil recovery investigation under Part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (“POCA”). That investigation is at an advanced stage and it is the intention to make an application for civil recovery of property belonging to David Mills on or before 30 May 2026.
The basis for the application is that the DPP believes David Mills has defrauded a large number of people, primarily by entering into agreements to put on drone light shows across the world and taking payment for such shows, before failing to provide the service offered.
The proceedings will seek to recover the property on the ground that his property is or represents property obtained through unlawful conduct, including fraudulent conduct involving companies called The Drone Light Show Company and Wildly Creative Marketing.
A Property Freezing Order prohibiting the dissipation of specified property belonging to David Mills was made on 30 May 2024 under s.245A of POCA and will remain in force until the conclusion of the civil recovery proceedings or until further order of the High Court.
The DPP is aware that numerous individuals may have fallen victim to Mr Mills’ fraud.
The DPP will not seek an order vesting the property in the trustee for civil recovery under s.266 of POCA until a reasonable period has elapsed so that those who claim an interest in the property can obtain legal advice and make any appropriate representations and / or applications to the High Court, including any application under s.281 of POCA (see National Crime Agency v Robb [2014] EWHC 4384 (Ch)).
A further update will be published once the claim is issued under Part 5 of POCA in the High Court.
This note has been prepared to provide information regarding the approach the CPS is taking in respect of the ongoing legal proceedings before the English courts, it is not intended as legal advice and anyone affected by this fraud should seek independent legal advice.