A prominent figure with strong ties to Perth, Kenneth Alexander, 56, formerly at the helm of the internationally renowned gambling operator Ladbrokes (then GVC, now known as Entain), has been formally charged alongside ten other individuals. These charges stem from a comprehensive, cross-border investigation concerning the alleged provision of gambling services within Turkey.
Mr. Alexander faces serious allegations, specifically charges of conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to bribe. The timeframe for these alleged offences spans a significant period, from 2011 through to 2018. This development marks a notable moment, bringing a locally connected individual into a high-profile international legal spotlight.
The breadth of this inquiry extends beyond Mr. Alexander. Lee Feldman, 57, previously the chairman of the same firm and residing in East Hampton, New York, United States, has also been charged with conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to bribe for the identical period. This underscores the senior level of individuals implicated in the proceedings.
Further charges have been brought against several other individuals, each reflecting various roles and locations. Richard Cooper, 64, from London; Robert Dowling, 50, based in Horsham, West Sussex; James Humberstone, 52, of Olney, Milton Keynes; Raymond Smart, 59, from Castel, Guernsey; and Richard Raubitschek-Smith, 49, residing in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, all face the same charges of conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to bribe.
The charges escalate for some. Scott Masterton, 57, from Tetney, Grimsby, is accused of conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to bribe, fraudulent trading, cheating the public revenue, and a further charge of acting as a director of a company whilst an undischarged bankrupt. These additional charges suggest a multifaceted examination of his alleged conduct within the broader investigation.
Alexander MacAngus, 64, from Grouville, Jersey, is charged solely with conspiracy to defraud. Meanwhile, Caroline Roe, 48, from Staincross, Barnsley, faces charges including conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to bribe, fraudulent trading, and fraudulent evasion of income tax, indicating a detailed look into financial irregularities.
Adding another layer to the complex case, Robert Hoskin, 54, from Gibraltar, is charged with perverting the course of justice in February 2024. This particular charge points to alleged attempts to obstruct the investigative process, highlighting the gravity and persistence of the legal inquiry.
The initial court appearance for all the accused is scheduled for Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 6. This hearing will be a preliminary step in what is anticipated to be a protracted and intricate legal battle, given the international nature and multiple defendants involved. The location of the court in Westminster reflects the significant national and international interest in a case of this magnitude. Statements from Authorities and the Company
Richard Las, the director of HMRC’s fraud investigation service, provided a direct statement on the matter: “This has been a complex and international investigation. These are serious charges that relate to conspiracy to defraud, bribery, cheating the public revenue, evasion of income tax and perverting the course of justice among others.” This authoritative comment underscores the comprehensive nature of the probe and the severe implications of the charges.
The company formerly known as GVC, now operating as Entain, also issued a statement regarding the allegations. Entain clarified its position, asserting: “The company has not been charged and none of the individuals charged are currently employed by the company or its group.” This statement seeks to distance the current corporate entity from the alleged actions of former personnel. The Weight of the Allegations
For the Perth community, seeing a figure linked so closely to the city involved in such a significant case can be a source of considerable discussion. The charges of ‘conspiracy to defraud’ imply an agreement between two or more individuals to deceive others for financial gain, while ‘conspiracy to bribe’ suggests a joint plan to offer or accept inducements to influence actions. These are deeply serious offences that strike at the heart of commercial integrity and public trust.
Further accusations like ‘fraudulent trading’ indicate business activities carried out with intent to defraud creditors or for any fraudulent purpose, and ‘cheating the public revenue’ or ‘fraudulent evasion of income tax’ pinpoint attempts to illegally avoid tax obligations. The charge of ‘acting as a director of a company when undischarged bankrupt’ speaks to specific regulations designed to protect businesses and the public from financial mismanagement by those with a history of insolvency. Lastly, ‘perverting the course of justice’ is a fundamental offence against the judicial system itself, carrying severe penalties.
Such international investigations are inherently complex, often requiring extensive collaboration between law enforcement agencies across different countries. This involves navigating varying legal systems, languages, and financial regulations to gather evidence, execute arrests, and build a cohesive case. The length of time over which these alleged activities took place (2011-2018) also suggests a long-term, organised nature to the alleged offences.
As the legal process unfolds in London, the eyes of many, including those in Perth and Kinross, will be on this case, reflecting a broader societal interest in corporate accountability and the integrity of individuals who hold positions of significant financial influence. The outcome will undoubtedly be watched closely by business communities and the public alike.
Mr. Alexander faces serious allegations, specifically charges of conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to bribe. The timeframe for these alleged offences spans a significant period, from 2011 through to 2018. This development marks a notable moment, bringing a locally connected individual into a high-profile international legal spotlight.
The breadth of this inquiry extends beyond Mr. Alexander. Lee Feldman, 57, previously the chairman of the same firm and residing in East Hampton, New York, United States, has also been charged with conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to bribe for the identical period. This underscores the senior level of individuals implicated in the proceedings.
Further charges have been brought against several other individuals, each reflecting various roles and locations. Richard Cooper, 64, from London; Robert Dowling, 50, based in Horsham, West Sussex; James Humberstone, 52, of Olney, Milton Keynes; Raymond Smart, 59, from Castel, Guernsey; and Richard Raubitschek-Smith, 49, residing in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, all face the same charges of conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to bribe.
The charges escalate for some. Scott Masterton, 57, from Tetney, Grimsby, is accused of conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to bribe, fraudulent trading, cheating the public revenue, and a further charge of acting as a director of a company whilst an undischarged bankrupt. These additional charges suggest a multifaceted examination of his alleged conduct within the broader investigation.
Alexander MacAngus, 64, from Grouville, Jersey, is charged solely with conspiracy to defraud. Meanwhile, Caroline Roe, 48, from Staincross, Barnsley, faces charges including conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to bribe, fraudulent trading, and fraudulent evasion of income tax, indicating a detailed look into financial irregularities.
Adding another layer to the complex case, Robert Hoskin, 54, from Gibraltar, is charged with perverting the course of justice in February 2024. This particular charge points to alleged attempts to obstruct the investigative process, highlighting the gravity and persistence of the legal inquiry.
The initial court appearance for all the accused is scheduled for Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 6. This hearing will be a preliminary step in what is anticipated to be a protracted and intricate legal battle, given the international nature and multiple defendants involved. The location of the court in Westminster reflects the significant national and international interest in a case of this magnitude. Statements from Authorities and the Company
Richard Las, the director of HMRC’s fraud investigation service, provided a direct statement on the matter: “This has been a complex and international investigation. These are serious charges that relate to conspiracy to defraud, bribery, cheating the public revenue, evasion of income tax and perverting the course of justice among others.” This authoritative comment underscores the comprehensive nature of the probe and the severe implications of the charges.
The company formerly known as GVC, now operating as Entain, also issued a statement regarding the allegations. Entain clarified its position, asserting: “The company has not been charged and none of the individuals charged are currently employed by the company or its group.” This statement seeks to distance the current corporate entity from the alleged actions of former personnel. The Weight of the Allegations
For the Perth community, seeing a figure linked so closely to the city involved in such a significant case can be a source of considerable discussion. The charges of ‘conspiracy to defraud’ imply an agreement between two or more individuals to deceive others for financial gain, while ‘conspiracy to bribe’ suggests a joint plan to offer or accept inducements to influence actions. These are deeply serious offences that strike at the heart of commercial integrity and public trust.
Further accusations like ‘fraudulent trading’ indicate business activities carried out with intent to defraud creditors or for any fraudulent purpose, and ‘cheating the public revenue’ or ‘fraudulent evasion of income tax’ pinpoint attempts to illegally avoid tax obligations. The charge of ‘acting as a director of a company when undischarged bankrupt’ speaks to specific regulations designed to protect businesses and the public from financial mismanagement by those with a history of insolvency. Lastly, ‘perverting the course of justice’ is a fundamental offence against the judicial system itself, carrying severe penalties.
Such international investigations are inherently complex, often requiring extensive collaboration between law enforcement agencies across different countries. This involves navigating varying legal systems, languages, and financial regulations to gather evidence, execute arrests, and build a cohesive case. The length of time over which these alleged activities took place (2011-2018) also suggests a long-term, organised nature to the alleged offences.
As the legal process unfolds in London, the eyes of many, including those in Perth and Kinross, will be on this case, reflecting a broader societal interest in corporate accountability and the integrity of individuals who hold positions of significant financial influence. The outcome will undoubtedly be watched closely by business communities and the public alike.