Retiree Loses £150K in CWM Scam, Forced to Work at 74 as Fraud Fallout Continues
June 17, 2025
Alan Brozel, who retired at 50 and moved to Spain with his wife Paulene, now faces financial hardship at 74 after losing over £150,000 in a scam involving Continental Wealth Management (CWM).
Their dreams of a comfortable retirement were shattered when CWM collapsed amid allegations of fraud, taking with it Alan's pension savings.
Brozel claims that CWM forged his and his wife's signatures to invest his pension in high-risk opportunities, despite his explicit instructions for conservative investments.
Expressing anger over the betrayal, Brozel regretted recommending CWM to friends, believing the firm was trustworthy.
CWM went bankrupt in September 2017, resulting in the loss of £34 million from other British expats, alongside Brozel's savings.
Many victims, primarily British expats, have reported significant financial losses due to CWM, leading to emotional distress and hardship.
Some victims have faced severe repercussions, including reports of suicide, highlighting the devastating impact of the scam.
To make ends meet, Brozel has taken on various jobs, including cleaning villas and driving friends to the airport, while Paulene also continues to work.
Currently, Brozel survives on a £600 state pension, supplemented by odd jobs, as he and his wife struggle to maintain their livelihood.
Despite their age, both Alan and Paulene continue to work, showing resilience in the face of their financial struggles.
Frustrated with the Spanish legal system, many victims have banded together to pursue legal action against CWM's former bosses, expressing concerns over the leniency shown towards fraudsters.
Jody Smart, the only CWM director convicted of fraud, has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison but is appealing the verdict, while other officials remain unaccounted for.
Summary based on 3 sources
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Sources

Manchester Evening News • Jun 17, 2025
Brit, 74, who retired in Spain with years of savings now a cleaner after simple mistake
Bristol Live • Jun 17, 2025
'I left UK for Spain to retire but am now cleaning villas at 74 after tragic mistake'