The OPP probe began two years ago when frustrated participants in Delhi, in Norfolk County, reported their concerns to police.

The investigation then moved across the province, where "word of mouth" had carried the scheme, Rowbotham said adding some of the participants knew each other.

It's unclear how six locals facing fraud charges are connected, though one common thread came into focus yesterday.

At least half of them work or have worked in the investment industry: Donald and Jane Coatsworth, 49 and 46 respectively, formerly worked with London's Cartier financial services and Paul Stapylton, 47, is listed online as a financial consultant.

Those three, along with John Hondzel, 60, turned themselves into OPP in London on Wednesday.  Each faces at least half a dozen counts of fraud over $5000.

John Boyle, 51, facing similar charges, turned himself in Monday.

Andras Toth, 36, formerly of London, is wanted on an arrest warrant.  It's unclear whether he's still in London.

Donald and Jane Coatsworth had a brush with trouble in the investment world three years ago.

Both had their knuckles rapped in 2003 by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), the provincial securities watchdog, following personal problems with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, OSC records show.

During an OSC hearing they requested, the Coatsworth's detailed their career and defended their credentials.

Donald said he left teaching in 1996 and started an ultimately unsuccessful career in financial planning.  As of March 12, 2003, the couple had spent two years trying to "find a solution to their monetary difficulties," the records show.

"Jane and I are not prepared to tarnish our reputations in our community by giving the wrong advice to our clients," Donald Coatsworth is quoted as telling the OSC's director "Our integrity is very, very important to us."

An official with Cartier services, now known as Dundee Wealth Management, said yesterday the Coatsworth's left "about three years ago."

None of the accused could be reached for comment yesterday.  They are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in London on Aug 2.