NUFC MD Charnley held in fraud probe
Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley has been arrested as part of a probe into a suspected income tax and national insurance fraud.
Ithasbeenwidelyreportedthattheclub’sstadium,St James’s Park, was raided by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officials and Mr Charnley, 39, was one of several men held during raids by tax authorities in the UK and France.
HMRC has not named any individuals held in the raids, and has also not commented on reports West Ham United are involved in the probe.
However, the service did confirm that premises in the North East and South East of England have been raided, as well as locations in France.
In a statement, HMRC said: “HMRC has arrested several men working within the professional football industry for a suspected income tax and national insurance fraud. 180 HMRC officers have been deployed across the UK and France.
“Investigators have searched a number of premises in the North East and South East of England and arrested the men and also seized business records, financial records, computers aunder owner Mike Ashley.
Last night, a statement from the club said: “Newcastle United can confirm that a member of its staff has this morning been assisting HMRC with their inquiries. The club will be making no further comment at this time.”