In a startling revelation, Scott El Paraiso, formerly known as Adam Minett, finds himself at the center of a complex web of allegations and controversies. Known for his role as co-founder of Urban Evolution Property Management, El Paraiso's past includes a conviction for defrauding £25,000 from pensioners in 2009 while working as a plumber. Since 2018, he has been deeply involved in the property management sector, overseeing thousands of student flats and apartments across the North and Midlands. However, recent events have cast a shadow over his operations, particularly concerning the safety and management of properties like Arndale House.
El Paraiso's involvement in Urban Evolution drew attention when he claimed to have been in contact with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) regarding fire safety issues at Arndale House. In December, MFRS issued an enforcement notice to Urban Evolution, mandating the replacement of cladding and addressing other fire safety concerns. El Paraiso asserted that students were advised to vacate Arndale House for their safety, with offers of assistance in finding alternative accommodation.
Leaseholders at Arndale House accused El Paraiso of exploiting the tragedy of Grenfell Tower for personal gain, an accusation echoed by residents like Joshua Churcher.
"It is shocking that someone would use a tragedy like Grenfell seemingly for their own gain." – Joshua Churcher
This sentiment was further supported by Richard Barker, another leaseholder, who expressed his concerns about El Paraiso's past.
"If we had known who [Mr El Paraiso] was and what he had done" – Richard Barker
Richard Barker also highlighted the psychological impact of El Paraiso's actions on the residents.
"His goal was very clearly to put us in a state of desperation, a state of having no way out." – Richard Barker
Allegations against El Paraiso extend beyond Arndale House. He faced criticism for his handling of investments at Borden Court, where he claimed investors were incurring losses. Furthermore, El Paraiso dismissed fire safety concerns at Queensland Place, asserting that they could be managed with regular service charge payments from leaseholders.
Urban Evolution's practices came under scrutiny as Liverpool City Council launched an investigation into potential illegal eviction attempts at Arndale House. Kim Johnson, a Member of Parliament, voiced concerns over these eviction threats and the misuse of fire safety issues.
"It is not acceptable that people are having their lives turned upside down by sudden threats of eviction, or that fire safety issues are being used to cause fear and concern unduly." – Kim Johnson
Compounding the controversy, El Paraiso's name was allegedly used fraudulently in Companies House filings. A leaseholder remarked on this issue, questioning its legality and calling for a police investigation.
"Since this was brought to my attention, I have been contacting Companies House asking them to remove my name, which I believe has been used fraudulently." – Leaseholder (name not specified)
"I believe this should be investigated by the police as a criminal matter." – Leaseholder (name not specified)
El Paraiso's business partner, Mr. Spencer, was also linked to numerous companies owned by Mr. Al-Huseini. This connection raised questions about the integrity of Urban Evolution's leadership and its business practices. Companies House confirmed that submitting false information regarding a Person with Significant Control (PSC) is a criminal offense.
Despite these serious allegations and his past conviction for fraud, El Paraiso continued to operate under his new identity without annotation on his visa to the United States. This lack of disclosure raises further ethical concerns about transparency and accountability in business dealings.
Amidst these controversies, some leaseholders still hold a positive view of El Paraiso's efforts.
"an absolute hero, helping us, guiding us and advising us through the goodness of his heart" – Leaseholder (name not specified)
However, contrasting opinions from other residents like Joshua Churcher paint a more troubling picture.
"If they believed the building genuinely to be so dangerous, we were living there completely unaware as it was never mentioned to us." – Joshua Churcher
Barker also pointed out the financial implications for those involved with El Paraiso's ventures.
"The trouble is the way out he was offering you represented a huge loss on the money you'd put in." – Richard Barker
