Luxury Watch Dealer Sentenced for Million-Pound Fraud
A Manchester-based watch dealer has been sentenced to more than five years in prison after admitting to a sophisticated fraud that cost his victims over £1 million. Adam Moore-Lynch, who operated under the business name Manchester Watch Hub, pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, converting criminal property, and carrying out a business with intent to defraud creditors.
The Deceptive Business Model
Moore-Lynch's scheme centred on a seemingly legitimate service. He promised clients that he would sell their high-value, luxury watches on their behalf, taking an agreed seller's commission from the final sale price. However, instead of fulfilling these agreements, he defrauded the victims by taking possession of the expensive timepieces and failing to pass on the proceeds. The court heard how he systematically betrayed the trust of his clients for substantial financial gain.
Significant Losses and Unrecovered Property
Detective Constable Michelle Wilkinson, from the Complex Fraud Investigation team, commented on the sentencing. She stated that while the prison term offers some closure for the victims, the outcome is "overshadowed by the significant financial and emotional loss they continue to endure." In a blow to the victims, the watches have not been recovered. Authorities believe it is highly likely the watches were sold on to unsuspecting buyers, a factor that further complicates any effort to return the stolen property to its rightful owners.
The sentence was handed down on November 26, 2025, marking the conclusion of a case that highlights the risks within the high-value luxury goods market. The emotional and financial impact on those defrauded is expected to be long-lasting.
