Introduction to a Betting Scandal

The world of football betting has been hit by a scandal involving a company called Bentley Global (UK) Limited, owned by Alan Bentley. Bentley has a background in television, having worked for a broadcaster between 1996 and 2001. However, his foray into football betting has ended in controversy.

The Scheme

Bentley’s company promised investors returns of up to 20% if they invested in his football betting scheme. The company claimed to use an artificial intelligence algorithm called Algol88 to place bets on football matches. Investors were convinced to part with their money, with over £1.5 million collected between late 2019 and the first half of 2020.

Lack of Evidence

Despite the claims made by Bentley Global (UK) Limited, there is no evidence that the company actually placed any bets on football matches during the period in question. Furthermore, the company had no known source of trading income, having suffered significant losses of over £5 million by August 2019 and over £4 million by August 2018.

Consequences

The scandal has resulted in Alan Bentley being banned as a company director for 11 years. His brother, Brian Bentley, was also disqualified as a company director in 2024 for misconduct related to his role at Bentley Global (UK) Limited. The ban is a significant consequence for the brothers, who have been found to have misled investors.

Statement from the Insolvency Service

Kevin Read, chief investigator at the Insolvency Service, commented on the case, stating that Alan Bentley’s company had secured over £1.5 million from hundreds of investors under a bond investment scheme during a nine-month period in 2019 and 2020, despite having no evidence of any trading. Read emphasized that directors have a responsibility to be honest and transparent with investors, especially when handling their money.

Conclusion

The case of Alan Bentley and Bentley Global (UK) Limited serves as a warning to investors to be cautious of schemes that promise high returns with little risk. It also highlights the importance of transparency and honesty in business, particularly when dealing with other people’s money. The consequences faced by the Bentleys demonstrate that those who engage in misconduct will be held accountable. As the Insolvency Service works to protect investors and promote fair business practices, cases like this remind us of the need for vigilance and responsible leadership in the business world.