Paul Bell, a director of 666Bet, has been arrested as part of a joint money-laundering investigation by HM Revenue & Customs and the UK National Crime Agency, according to published reports.
Six other people were arrested, 13 properties were raided and £1m in cash was also seized as part of the investigation. The investigation was dubbed Operation Bannock, an HMRC-led investigation involving police officers from across the UK, as well as investigators on the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, according to the UK’s Independent newspaper.
The online firm has deals with the premier League’s West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City. It also uses former soccer manager Harry Redknapp in its advertising.
The UK Gambling Commission has suspended the firm’s license.
Another soccer club, Football League One team Leyton Orien has terminated is deal with 666Bet or shirt sponsorship. The two Premier League clubs have so far not moved to end their deal with the firm.
“I just did an advert for them,” Redknapp told the Independent newspaper. “I don’t know anything about it at all. Not a clue.”
Bell, was reportedly arrested at Heathrow Airport, then released and arrested again on the Isle of Man.
According to the Independent, Bell—who is reported to be worth around £400m and is a shareholder in several FTSE-listed companies—is said to have interests ranging from payroll and recruitment to development, hospitals and care homes.
An unnamed source told the paper that Bell “vigorously denied any wrongdoing” and was a “well respected” member of the business community on the Isle of Man who gave “generously” to local charities.
In an email to the Independent, Neil Andrews, 666Bet’s head of brand, said: “I can categorically state the investigation does not relate to 666Bet’s activities in the gaming world.”
The site’s website is offline with a message saying it is undergoing maintenance.
