Former GVC CEO Kenny Alexander and Others Charged in Turkish Bribery Investigation
Ex-GVC CEO Kenny Alexander and Others Face Bribery and Fraud Charges
Kenny Alexander, the former CEO of GVC Holdings, along with ten other individuals, has been charged by the UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in an extensive investigation into alleged bribery and fraud related to the company’s operations in Turkey between 2011 and 2018. GVC, which rebranded as Entain in 2020, is known for owning prominent gambling brands such as Ladbrokes.
Details on the Accusations Against Former GVC Executives
Alexander, aged 56, faces allegations including conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to bribe. The initial court hearing is scheduled for October 6 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Other former senior GVC officials, including ex-chairman Lee Feldman, ex-chief financial officer Richard Cooper, ex-trading director James Humberstone, and ex-e-Technologies Global director Scott Masterston, have been charged with similar offenses.
Additional defendants include former Entain chief governance officer Robert Hoskin, who is charged with perverting the course of justice. The case extends to various directors and financial personnel associated with external suppliers such as Conexus, Inteliqo, and Ilixium, companies involved in payment processing and other services. Some of these individuals are accused of engaging in illicit business practices, evading taxes, and unlawfully managing insolvent companies.
The Complexity and International Scope of the Investigation
The investigation is led jointly by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the CPS and is described by officials as a complex, international probe. Richard Las, the director of HMRC’s fraud investigation team, highlighted that the case involves serious offenses including fraud, bribery, tax evasion, and attempts to obstruct justice.
Entain itself is not facing new charges as it reached a deferred prosecution agreement in 2023, agreeing to pay fines totaling GBP 585 million (approximately $788 million) alongside an additional GBP 30 million to cover charitable contributions and legal fees. This agreement was related to the company’s past operations in Turkey and did not exempt individuals from prosecution.
Background of the Turkish Operations and Legal Fallout
The controversy stems from GVC’s ownership of a Turkish subsidiary, Headlong Limited, which was sold in 2017. At that time, GVC stated it was no longer operating in the Turkish market. However, subsequent investigations uncovered alleged misconduct involving both internal company officials and external partners.
This legal battle has coincided with difficult times for Entain, which has faced shareholder scrutiny, leadership changes, and lawsuits involving former executives Alexander and Feldman. These two have accused the company and its legal representatives of improperly sharing confidential information with investigators.
If convicted, those charged could face severe penalties including prison sentences of up to ten years and unlimited fines. The high-profile nature of this case is expected to draw significant attention from the global gambling industry and regulatory bodies as proceedings continue.
