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Louis Tomlinson Conned by Criminals in Multi-Million Doncaster Rovers Fraud Plot
Louis Tomlinson unknowingly fronted a £6 million takeover used by fraudsters to launder stolen pension funds, with over £3.7 million taken from 200 victims, court heard.
- In 2014, Louis Tomlinson became the public face of a failed takeover bid for Doncaster Rovers, a League One football club, involving former chairman John Ryan.
- The takeover bid arose after bankrupt businessman Kevin Phelan approached Ryan in 2013, falsely promising millions but ultimately lacking the funds to complete the deal.
- Tomlinson launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £6 million, signed a contract to transfer 70% ownership to Belize-based Sequentia Capital SA, and planned to help the club through various engagements.
- Prosecutor Timothy Hannam KC stated the investment funds came from a criminal gang that stole £3.7 million from over 200 pension victims, with Tomlinson unaware of the fraud and later expressing he was misled.
- The deal collapsed after the crowdfunder raised only £600,000, Phelan’s promises failed, and the convicted gang faces sentencing in January, while Tomlinson remains passionate about aiding Doncaster Rovers.
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Louis Tomlinson fooled by criminal gang in huge Doncaster Rovers fraud plot - Daily Star
One Direction's Louis Tomlinson once had ambitions to buy part of his beloved football club, Doncaster Rovers, without realising that the backers in the takeover involved a group of fraudsters
·United Kingdom
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 29%
14%
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