The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry

Dig Deeper

• Guernsey Financial Services Commission warns of fake documents bearing its name used in fraud scheme
• Fraudulent documents titled "Financial Regulatory Due Diligence / Financial Provenance Clearance" being circulated
• Scheme involves fake law firm Flaven Law Chambers and bogus bank ApexKrest Bank
• Both entities falsely claim to be Guernsey-based but are not genuine or authorised
• Commission urges anyone who dealt with these entities to contact its Intelligence Team

In other news...

• The Quarry created election2026.gg in one morning while the official States election site still lacks information for 3 of 11 candidates
• The micro newsroom's site features candidate profiles, manifestos, polling data, and an election chatbot called BallotBot
• The site aggregates information from multiple verified sources to help voters compare candidates on key issues

• Guernsey States reject funding request from Iris Freight for Channel Chieftain V newspaper ferry service
• Company currently transports 25,000 newspapers weekly from Jersey to Guernsey, half its original volume
• States cite structural industry challenges and concerns about media impartiality as reasons for rejection
• The Guernsey Press, Jersey Evening Post and Bailiwick Express all have financial links to national newspapers getting to people's homes

• States of Guernsey has submitted fourth planning application to extend commercial vehicle parking at Pitronnerie Road Industrial Estate for two more years
• Current temporary permission expired on 11 March 2026, with the 7,229 square metre site used for parking buses and removal vehicles
• Site has operated as temporary parking facility since September 2019 through series of extensions
• Pitronnerie Road designated as Strategic Industrial Reserve, awaiting development of permanent industrial framework
• States Property Unit maintains the temporary use will not prejudice future comprehensive development of the site

• Bishop of Salisbury Stephen Lake has stepped down voluntarily amid allegations of financial irregularities
• An audit is being conducted into two separate funds related to the bishop's office
• Bishop of Sherborne Karen Gorham will cover Lake's duties during the investigation
• Lake has also resigned as a trustee of the Church Commissioners, which manages £11.1bn in assets
• The 62-year-old bishop took on his role in 2022 and previously served as Dean of Gloucester Cathedral

• House sparrows remained the most-recorded bird in Channel Islands for second consecutive year in RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
• More than 1,000 people in Guernsey and Jersey participated in January bird count, part of national survey involving 650,000 participants
• Blue tit jumped from fifth to second place, whilst wood pigeon held third position in local rankings
• Greenfinch sightings show alarming decline, dropping to 16th place in Channel Islands and 18th nationally
• RSPB advises weekly cleaning of bird feeders and relocation after cleaning to prevent disease transmission

• Vive La Vallette LBG has applied to convert disused public toilets at La Vallette Watchtower into unique visitor accommodation
• The charity has secured backing from States Property Services, which owns the historic site adjacent to the Gents Pool
• The conversion will require significant upgrades including improved thermal performance and full building regulation compliance
• The project aims to preserve a heritage building within a Conservation Area whilst providing accessible accommodation in St Peter Port

• Guernsey Mind's Sunrise Walk of Hope returns on 21 June 2026 with Gower as headline sponsor
• 6km walk starts at 4am from Vale Castle, finishing at Bathing Pools on summer solstice
• Event raises awareness around suicide and supports those affected by loss
• Open to all ages and abilities with registration costing £10 per person
• Refreshments provided by Vive La Vallette and Guernsey Guides

• Wheels for You charity receives new bike trailer donation from Only Fools and Donkeys at Parkinson's Awareness Day
• Trailer can transport up to four adapted bikes, making outreach work more efficient for the 18-month-old charity
• Butterfield sponsored the trailer, citing commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in the community
• Charity operates three adapted bikes donated by Only Fools and Donkeys, each catering to different disabilities
• New transport capability will enable expansion beyond weekly sessions to more events and community outreach

Guernsey Gazette

Vale Commons Council is holding their Annual General Meeting on April 15th, 2026 at 7:00pm in the Vale Douzaine Room.

Atan Limited is applying for a liquor license for KI-OT Restaurant/Café with a hearing scheduled for April 28th, 2026.

GFSC notices

Presentations on conflicts of interest thematic review

Judgment in the Court of Appeal

Fake Guernsey Financial Services Commission Documents And Fraudulent Entities: Flaven Law Chambers and ApexKrest Bank