(PRESS RELEASE) -- Fifteen people appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with offenses under the Gambling Act 2005.
The offenses relate to an investigation into alleged cheating related to bets placed on the timing of the 2024 General Election.
The investigation, initiated in June 2024, focused on individuals suspected of using confidential information - specifically advance knowledge of the proposed election date - to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets. Such actions constitute an offense of cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, a criminal offense.
The following denied the charges:
- Simon Chatfield, 51, (DOB: 19/03/1974)
- Russell George, 51, (DOB: 27/04/1974)
- Amy Hind, 34, (DOB: 13/07/1990)
- Anthony Hind, 36, (DOB: 12/09/1988)
- Thomas James, 38, (DOB: 15/09/1986)
- Charlotte Lang, 36, (DOB: 15/02/1989)
- Anthony Lee, 48, (DOB: 24/04/1977)
- Iain Makepeace, 47, (DOB: 15/08/1977)
- Nick Mason, 51, (DOB: 03/10/1973)
- Paul Place, 54, (DOB: 11/05/1971)
- Laura Saunders, 37, (DOB: 23/02/1988)
- James Ward, 40, (DOB: 12/08/1984)
The following did not enter a plea:
- Jeremy Hunt, 55, (DOB: 08/04/1970)(former Police Officer)
- Craig Williams, 40, (DOB: 07/06/1985)
- Jacob Willmer, 39, (DOB: 06/07/1985)
Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring referred the case to the Crown Court.
All 15 are due to reappear at Southwark Crown Court on 11 July at 10am.