Houseboats tycoon sentenced to jail for scamming £3.5 million from Thames marina

Myck Djurberg, a property tycoon, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for orchestrating a £3.5 million luxury houseboat fraud at the Hampton Riviera marina resort. He convinced clients to invest hundreds of thousands in houseboats without planning permission or residential mooring licenses. Djurberg adopted a bullying approach when challenged by clients, dragging them into years of civil litigation and refusing to pay compensation. Victims shared harrowing accounts of financial ruin, depression, and suicidal thoughts as a result of Djurberg’s deception.

Several victims detailed their devastating experiences, including Fiona Johnstone and Louis Sydney who spent their savings and sold their home to fight a legal battle against Djurberg. Despite winning in court, they never received any compensation, leaving them in rented accommodation and financial distress. Another victim, Jennifer Small, described losing £1.6 million due to Djurberg’s fraud, impacting her career, her husband’s business interests, and their children’s confidence. Eye surgeon Simon Keightley tearfully recounted how Djurberg systematically destroyed his wife, causing anger, frustration, and regret.

Djurberg was found guilty of three counts of fraud by false representation and one count of fraud, and the Crown Prosecution Service plans to pursue his assets, including a lavish imported Swiss chalet. In a separate incident in 2021, Djurberg was convicted of assault after physically attacking a tenant in a dispute over charges at the boatyard. The police investigation uncovered Djurberg’s lack of planning permission for residential use and failure to pay required licenses, leading to enforcement notices from the local council.

During the fraud trial, Djurberg claimed proficiency in 11 languages and multiple academic degrees, while making baseless accusations against victims, police, and officials. His manipulation and deception led to severe consequences for his clients, who faced financial ruin, mental health struggles, and loss of confidence. Djurberg’s aggressive behavior when challenged, failure to fulfill legal obligations, and disregard for his clients’ well-being were highlighted during sentencing. Despite his charming sales tactics, Djurberg ultimately created a nightmare for those who trusted him with their life savings and dreams of an idyllic retirement on the river.

The judge described Djurberg as a complex character who used charm and deceit to persuade clients to invest in his fraudulent scheme. Djurberg’s aggressive response to challenges, refusal to accept responsibility for his actions, and ongoing harassment of victims during legal proceedings demonstrate a pattern of abuse and manipulation. Victims like Fiona Johnstone, Jennifer Small, and Simon Keightley have been left emotionally and financially devastated by Djurberg’s criminal conduct, highlighting the lasting impact of his fraudulent activities on their lives.