Posted on: October 15, 2025, 06:34h.
Last updated on: October 15, 2025, 06:34h.
- Rory Campbell’s £8M betting fund collapses amid fraud claims
- Elite investors lose thousands as probe into fund deepens
- Police arrest suspect after syndicate’s alleged false representation
UK authorities have arrested an individual in connection with a collapsed £8 million (US$10.7 million) sports betting syndicate operated by Rory Campbell, son of former Tony Blair-era spin doctor Alastair Campbell.
London’s Metropolitan Police said in a statement Wednesday that a 37-year-old man, who is unnamed for legal reasons, had been taken into custody on suspicion of fraud by false representation and has been bailed pending further inquiries.
Campbell, 37, told investors he used predictive mathematical models to gain an edge in the betting markets, but in December 2024 he claimed the scheme had collapsed because sportsbooks in Asia had failed to pay out winnings.
Savvy Backers
Campbell’s backers were far from naïve individuals throwing their life savings into a get-rich-quick venture. They were seasoned, knowledgeable figures in the gambling world and the racing industry – among them a former executive from The Racing Post, a senior official at the British Horseracing Authority, and even a television racing presenter.
Campbell senior – who, as Tony Blair’s director of communications, chief strategist, and key adviser, was among the most powerful figures in the government – also invested personally, putting £300K (US$400K) into the fund, according to The Times of London.
Some early backers were paid commission to recruit more investors, according to sources who spoke to The Times.
In all, around 50 investors lost sums ranging from £10K (US$13.4K) to £500K (US$670K) through the fund, which focused on Asian handicaps or under/over goal markets.
Things Fall Apart
Things began to unravel in 2023 when investors reported difficulties withdrawing their money, despite being told the fund had made an average return on investment of 8% per year.
Campbell assured them that there was “no hole” in the fund and they could expect to receive their funds “in full” by the end of July, 2024. By mid-July, he had revised that figure to a return “in the region of 50%-65%,” according to investors.
When negotiations to find a settlement completely broke down in January 2025, investors contacted the police.
One investor, a prominent figure in British horseracing, died of cancer in February before he could receive his money. He told friends he was “at the end of his tether” with the fiasco, according to The Times.
Another launched a civil case against Campbell in a bid to recoup £266K (US$356K). It’s believed he settled out of court for a fraction of the sum.
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