Ex-restaurateur Gavin Roberts used investors cash to fund 'lavish lifestyle'

Disgraced former restaurateur Gavin Roberts, 46, has been sentenced to an additional three years in prison after admitting to large-scale fraud and forgery.

Roberts, who once ran the sushi and steak restaurant Shinzo in St Aubin, admitted two counts of fraud and forgery involving more than £700,000. The offences took place between 2018 and 2022.

Shinzo opened its doors in August 2020 but closed less than two years later, leaving significant debts. Investigators found Roberts had used investors’ money not to support the restaurant but to bankroll a luxury lifestyle, including frequent trips to London, stays in five-star hotels and meals in expensive restaurants.

A three-year investigation by the Jersey Financial Crimes Unit uncovered falsified documents designed to mislead investors into believing the business was profitable.

Investigator Faith Shalamon said Roberts’ behaviour revealed a pattern of “self-centred and controlling” conduct motivated purely by personal gain. She described his spending as “frivolous” and highlighted the devastating consequences for those who trusted him:

“The victims in this case put their homes at risk by taking out loans secured on their properties. If they’d known the truth, they wouldn’t have handed over their life savings or pension pots.”

Victims, she said, have lost not only their money but also their sense of security and trust.

“They will never recover the money they’ve lost, and for many, they didn’t have the money to lose in the first place. This has destabilised lives and had a serious impact on their mental health and wellbeing.”

Roberts is already serving a 15-year sentence for rape and assault, handed down after being convicted of raping and violently attacking one woman, and assaulting another. Police have urged anyone else who may have been targeted by Roberts to come forward.

“The door is always open,” said the States of Jersey Police.