Ticket fraud arrests

The Serious Fraud Office appeal to those who were scammed

26 November 2008 - Five people have been arrested by police in London in connection with the online ticket scams by Xclusive Tickets Ltd and Xclusive Leisure and Hospitality Ltd.

They failed to supply tickets for summer music festivals and the 2008 Olympic Games to people who were led to believe they had purchased them from their websites.

Three homes and a business in different parts of London were raided last night (25 November) by the Metropolitan Police and the Serious Fraud Office.

Four men and one woman between the ages of 41 and 54 have been released on bail, after questioning.

The SFO claim that a company called Xclusive Leisure and Hospitality Ltd set up an unauthorised website in July called bejingticketing.com, which was later closed down by the Olympic authorities.

The company was placed into liquidation in August and according to the SFO, linked companies received payment for more than 4,000 tickets that never reached those paying customers.  

An investigation was started after members of the public in more than 60 countries complained that they had purchased tickets, but in return, received no tickets or refunds.

Were you affected?

The Serious Fraud Office is appealing to those who have been affected.

The director, Richard Alderman, is hoping for around 4000 people, who paid for tickets from Xclusive Tickets Ltd, but subsequently did not receive them, to come forward and get in touch.

This includes people that purchased tickets for the Beijing Olympics, who were most affected, as well as music fans who brought tickets for Reading and Leeds.

Head to their website, where there is a simple form, to help the SFO with their investigation.

Georgie Rogers