666Bet.com Director Arrested as Part of Fraud Probe: Site Goes Offline
Paul Bell, a director of 666Bet, has been arrested as part of a joint money-laundering investigation by HM Revenue & Customs and the National Crime Agency.
The initial arrest occurred last week at London’s Heathrow Airport. Bell was re-arrested on the Isle of Man upon landing in his private jet.
While the firm’s license has now been suspended and the site remains offline, a spokesperson insists the probe had nothing to do with 666Bet.com.
In an email to the Independent on Sunday, Neil Andrews, 666Bet's head of brand, said: 'I can categorically state the investigation does not relate to 666Bet's activities in the gamin (sic) world.'
Details of the investigation, referred to as “Operation Bannock” remain murky. Six other people alleged to have involvement with the £21m fraud were arrested, 13 properties were raided and £1m in cash was also seized this past week.
The betting site had sponsorship deals with Leicester City, West Brom and Harry Redknapp. The firm also had a sponsorship deal with Leyton Orient FC, which has since cancelled its contract.
Mr. Redknapp told the Independent on Sunday: 'I just did an advert for them. I don't know anything about it at all. Not a clue.'
The suspension of the Metro Play Limited licence - which covers 666Bet and Metro Play - does not prevent 666Bet.com from 'returning outstanding balances to customers', according to the UK Gambling Commission.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
