Victims can't comprehend U.K. Ponzi losses

LONDON, July 19 (UPI) -- London police say the operators of an alleged Ponzi scheme were so smooth some of their estimated 600 victims are in denial about being ripped off.

Detectives say some of the alleged victims refuse to believe their money disappeared, and others have said the police inquiry caused their investment to collapse.

"Even though they have been arrested, and we have searched their homes and offices and closed them down, the victims still do not believe anything is wrong," Detective Superintendent Bob Wishart told the Mail on Sunday.

The newspaper reported police have held public meetings with investors that have included angry words from some who contend the investigation led to the collapse of the fund.

As much as 80 million pounds ($130.8 million) is believed to have been lost, with funds being stashed in overseas bank accounts or blown on the luxury lifestyles of the three alleged masterminds.