Four released in ticket scam investigation

Four people were being questioned today on suspicion of duping sport and music fans into buying tickets that did not exist.

FOUR RELEASED IN TICKETS FRAUD PROBE

ress Association Crime Correspondent

Four people questioned by police on suspicion of duping sport and music fans into buying tickets that did not exist have been released on bail.

The three men and a woman were held at addresses in the City of London, Waltham Abbey and Chingford, east London, on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

The move came after an investigation into a criminal gang that set up worldwidetickets.com and gigsport.com.

The two websites sold tickets for the Reading Festival and concerts featuring global stars such as the Black Eyed Peas and Michael Buble.

Evidence of the fraud emerged through 265 complaints by victims examined by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB).

They are estimated to have lost a total of £40,000, including a woman who flew from South Africa to the UK having paid £1,800 for three Wimbledon Centre Court tickets.

The NFIB was set up by City of London Police to receive nationwide reports from the public and small businesses.

A police spokesman confirmed all four suspects were released on bail pending further inquiries.

They are a man aged 42 and woman aged 28, who are married and live in Waltham Abbey, a 68-year-old Chingford man and a 48-year-old man who was held in the City.