Celebrities. Dany Boon victim of a scam of 6.7 million euros in Ireland

Dany Boon defrauded by a fake Irish lord? This is what the daily reveals The Irish Examiner. The man, whose real name is Thierry Fialek-Birles, allegedly scammed him out of 6.7 million euros. Information kept so far under embargo for the smooth running of the investigation.

2.2 million for the management of Dany Boon’s yacht

It all starts when the actor meets Thierry Birles, an Irish lord, through a mutual acquaintance. Known for his films, the public is less aware of Dany Boon’s passion for boats. Owner of a yacht,Umaren, he hires to manage and maintain the ship Terry Birles, who presents himself as an expert in maritime laws and claims to have a good network of acquaintances in Ireland. Terry Birles advises him to work with the company South Seas Merchants Mariners Ltd Partnership (SSMM), assuring that his family would have created it more than 100 years ago.

Dany Boon is advancing 2.2 million euros for the maintenance of his yacht in April 2021, part of which must be used for insurance.

4.5 million for an investment

In July 2021, Terry Birles talks to Dany Boon about an investment with the Irish Central Bank that would yield 3.25% per annum in interest, untaxed. The director then sends 4.5 million to SSMM.

It was then that Dany Boon learned from Terry Birles that SSMM had been bought by an Italian family, the Rossi, but that he remained with the company as an advisor. Worried, the French asked to get his money back. A “member” of the Rossi replies that the money has been transferred to accounts in South Korea and Panama, and that it will be returned to him “soon”. Dany Boon calls back several times, but the money is never returned to him.

In November 2021, Terry Birles calls Dany Boon to tell him that the Rossis fired him and also owe him money. He advises the director to sue SSMM.

Until then, Dany Boon trusts Terry Birles. But the testimony of a victim of fraud by the “Irish lord” puts a flea in his ear. He contacts his lawyers.

Shell companies

In fact, the Rossi’s don’t exist, nor the Irish Central Bank investment, nor the yacht’s insurance company. Companies set up in different countries all refer to… a DIY store in Samoa.

Neither does Thierry Birles. It is one of the aliases used by Thierry Fialek-Birles, like Terry Waterford-Mandeville. According to Dany Boon’s Irish lawyer, Rossa Fanning, he developed an “elaborate fraud” by throwing “lie after lie” at the Frenchman, and other victims.

The French author-director lodged a complaint late, because he was awaiting the results of a “professional investigation”. The assets and companies of Thierry Fialek-Birles are therefore frozen, in particular a residence and a boat, the Erinprobably bought with Dany Boon’s money.

The case will go before a judge next week.