Former Ladbrokes owner executives charged with bribery and fraud

Eleven individuals, including former senior executives of Entain – the gambling group behind Ladbrokes and Coral – have been charged with a series of criminal offences including bribery, fraud, and tax evasion.

The charges follow a lengthy investigation into the company’s historical operations in Turkey between 2011 and 2018.

On Thursday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that it had authorised prosecutions in collaboration with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Among those charged are Kenny Alexander, former CEO of Entain; Lee Feldman, former chair; Richard Cooper, former finance director; and Robert Hoskin, former legal director.

James Humberstone, who held several roles at the company, was also charged, along with six other individuals who were not employed by Entain.

According to the CPS, the charges include conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to bribe, fraudulent trading, cheating the public revenue, evasion of income tax, acting as a director while an undischarged bankrupt, and perverting the course of justice.

All the former executives, except Hoskin, face charges of conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to bribe.

Hoskin has been charged separately with perverting the course of justice in connection with a February 2024 investigation.

The first court appearance is scheduled for 6 October at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Richard Las, Director of HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, said: “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.”

Entain, which was formerly known as GVC Holdings, clarified in a public statement that the company itself has not been charged.

A spokesperson said: “None of the individuals charged are currently employed by the company or its group. The company entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the CPS in December 2023 which, subject to continued compliance, resolved the HMRC investigation in relation to the company and its group.”

The company declined further comment, citing ongoing legal proceedings and reporting restrictions.

The case highlights the growing scrutiny on corporate accountability in the gambling industry, particularly in relation to international operations and financial transparency.

As the legal process begins, further details are expected to emerge during the October hearing.