The UK’s regulatory Gambling Commission (UKGC) has charged 15 people with offences under the Gambling Act 2005, following an investigation into alleged cheating related to bets placed on the timing of Britain’s 2024 General Election.
Greater London’s Metropolitan Police Force had previously also investigated claims that illegal bets were placed on the timing of the election that saw Rishi Sunak’s conservative government swept away by a Labour Party landslide.
But the Met decided to drop their probe, perhaps concluding that it be better conducted by the UKGC.
Initiated in June 2024, before the Thursday, July 4 election day, the UKGC investigation has 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 offence of cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, a criminal offence.
The 15 people charged with insider betting are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court at 10am on Friday, June 13 later this year.
They have been named as:
Simon Chatfield, 51, (DOB: 19/03/1974), Lower Bourne, Farnham, GU10
Russell George, 50, (DOB: 27/04/1974), Newtown, Wales, SY16
Amy Hind, 34, (DOB: 13/07/1990), Loughton, Essex, IG10
Anthony Hind, 36, (DOB: 12/09/1988), Loughton, Essex, IG10
Jeremy Hunt, 55, (DOB: 08/04/1970), Horne, Horley, RH6, (a former Police Officer and NOT the ex-chancellor-of-the-exchequer.)
Thomas James, 38, (DOB: 15/09/1986), Brecon, Wales, LD3
Charlotte Lang, 36, (DOB: 15/02/1989), Brixton, SW9
Anthony Lee, 47, (DOB: 24/04/1977), Bristol, BS1
Iain Makepeace, 47, (DOB: 15/08/1977), Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16
Nick Mason, 51, (DOB: 03/10/1973), Milton on Stour, Gillingham, SP8
Paul Place, 53, (DOB: 11/05/1971), Hammersmith, London, W6
Laura Saunders, 37, (DOB: 23/02/1988), Bristol, BS1
James Ward, 40, (DOB: 12/08/1984), London, E11
Craig Williams, 39, (DOB: 07/06/1985), Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, SY21
Jacob Willmer, 39, (DOB: 06/07/1985), Richmond, London, TW9
The Gambling Commission has the authority to investigate offences and bring criminal prosecutions where appropriate under Sections 27 and 28 of the 2005 Gambling Act.
Contacted by iGamingFuture for more information on the election gambling case, the UKGC responded: “We cannot provide further details at this time because these are ongoing criminal cases.”
