Hi. I was involved in a relationship with a Ghanaian man whom I had known for three years prior to us geting toogether. Everybody at work knew him to be single as I did. When our relationship deepened he told me that he has his brother's ex-partner and their children living with him. He explained the reasons behind this and I eventually accepted the situation. Our relationship was not a secret and we attended many work events as a couple.

A year later and we had spoken about marriage and family. He said that he needed to make some money so that he could pay his family back the deposit they paid for the joint house which now had negative equity. In order to achieve this I lended him £9000 which was for an agreed period of a year. This was given on the premise that he would invest the money in a business idea (of which he said his sister and he were also investing in).

Around about the same time the UK Borders agency became involved with him. Work was involved as well but no charges have been made. I am remain unsure to what was actually investigated but I now believe he told them his brother's ex is his partner and that the children are his in order that they could stay in the country.

We seperated and I agreed he could still keep the cash I had lend him until the agreed year (May 2011). Since then he has constantly told me he is trying to get the money for me, going to sell his car etc. but nothing comes to fruition. I have been off work many times with stress (I am his manager) and I'm now facing capability issues.

How can I get my money back and/or is there any avenue for me with the involvement of deception? I am also unsure if there is any worth in speaking to the UK Borders Agency as they never interviewed me whilst they were doing their investigation.

Thanks

Optional Information:
Province/Country relating to question : Scotland

Already Tried:
Nothing so far - just exploring avenues open to me