Former GVC CEO Kenny Alexander among 11 charged in Turkey bribery case
Summary
The UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has charged former GVC (now Entain) CEO Kenny Alexander and ten others over alleged offences connected to GVC’s Turkey operations between 2011 and 2018. Charges include conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to bribe, fraudulent evasion of income tax and, in one case, perverting the course of justice. The CPS announcement follows a lengthy HMRC investigation and Entain’s deferred prosecution agreement in 2023, which required a £585m financial penalty and additional donations.
Key Points
- Kenny Alexander has been charged with conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to bribe by the CPS.
- Ten other individuals are charged, including former chairman Lee Feldman and ex-CFO Richard Cooper.
- Charges relate to GVC/Entain’s historic Turkey-facing activities from 2011–2018.
- Entain previously reached a deferred prosecution agreement in 2023, agreeing to a £585m penalty and further contributions.
- Additional accused include former trading director James Humberstone and several third-party directors and payments executives.
- Robert Hoskin, Entain’s former chief governance officer, faces a charge of perverting the course of justice (alleged act in Feb 2024).
- Conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to bribe carry maximum sentences of 10 years and/or unlimited fines.
- Alexander and Feldman have reportedly launched legal action against Entain and its law firm, alleging disclosure of privileged information.
Content summary
The CPS has formalised criminal charges after an “complex and international” HMRC probe into GVC’s past operations in Turkey. The scope covers alleged bribery, fraud and tax evasion linked to activities while the business operated under the GVC name. Entain, the rebranded company, had earlier accepted a deferred prosecution agreement and a substantial penalty for historic misconduct tied to Turkey-facing operations. Several former executives and third-party associates are now personally accused. The matter also involves litigation by the accused against Entain and its advisers over alleged improper sharing of privileged material.
The case underscores the long tail of corporate investigations: the company settled via DPA in 2023, but individual criminal liability is now being pursued by the CPS. The allegations span senior management and outside service providers, and could result in lengthy jail terms and large fines for individuals if convictions follow.
Context and relevance
This is significant for compliance, governance and the gambling sector. It shows regulators pursuing not just corporate settlements but also criminal charges against individuals. Firms operating internationally—especially in complex or lightly regulated markets—should take note: deferred prosecutions for a company do not necessarily shield former executives or third parties from later criminal charges. For legal teams, regulators and boardrooms, the case is a reminder to tighten oversight of third-party relationships, record-keeping and cross-border controls.
Why should I read this?
Look, this isn’t just another corporate fine — senior figures, including a former CEO and chairman, are facing criminal charges. If you work in compliance, legal, finance or run an international operator, this story matters. It shows how historical actions can trigger massive penalties for a business and personal exposure years later. We’ve cut through the noise so you know who’s charged, what the penalties could be and why it matters to your risk strategy.
