Key Moments:
- UK police have arrested a 37-year-old man after the collapse of an £8 million sports betting fund operated by Rory Campbell
- Approximately 50 investors reportedly lost amounts between £10K and £500K, including prominent members of the racing industry
- Alastair Campbell, former Downing Street adviser, personally invested £300K in the fund
Arrest Follows Disintegration of £8 Million Sports Betting Syndicate
London’s Metropolitan Police have confirmed the arrest of an unnamed 37-year-old male on suspicion of fraud by false representation, following the dramatic failure of an £8 million (US$10.7 million) betting syndicate led by Rory Campbell. The suspect has been released on bail as authorities continue their investigation.
Investor Base Included Industry Insiders and Financial Backers
Rory Campbell drew investment from a well-connected group that included a former executive from The Racing Post, a senior British Horseracing Authority official, a television racing presenter, and his own father, Alastair Campbell. Reports indicate Alastair Campbell invested £300K (US$400K) personally. According to sources, some early investors were paid commission for recruiting additional backers.
Alastair Campbell among 50 victims after collapse of his son's £5m betting syndicate
Couldn’t of happened to a nicer WAR CRIMINAL 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/TdEMe19Lq2
— WeGotitBack 🏴🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@NotFarLeftAtAll) December 28, 2024
Fund Promises and Investor Losses
The syndicate, promoted as using mathematical models to outperform in Asian handicaps and over/under goal betting markets, began showing signs of trouble in 2023 when withdrawals became difficult. Campbell asserted that investors would be repaid in full by the end of July 2024, but later revised the expected repayment to between 50%-65% of their investment, according to those involved.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Fund Size | £8 million (US$10.7 million) |
| Number of Investors | About 50 |
| Individual Losses | Between £10K (US$13.4K) and £500K (US$670K) |
| Alastair Campbell’s Investment | £300K (US$400K) |
Breakdown and Legal Repercussions
After attempts at settlement failed in January 2025, investors escalated the matter to police. During this period, a principal investor in British horseracing passed away from cancer before receiving repayment and had confided his distress to acquaintances, according to The Times. Another investor pursued a civil case for £266K (US$356K), which reportedly ended in a settlement for less than the claim.
- Author
Daniel Williams
