Seven people have been charged in the UK over an alleged fraud operation targeting bet365’s introductory betting promotions, with prosecutors accusing the group of using personal information and false representations to obtain bonus credit and move criminal funds between accounts.
The case was brought before Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court and involves six men and one woman. Prosecutors allege the defendants exploited bet365’s new-customer offer by creating or operating accounts with personal data that was not legitimately theirs, securing free betting funds and transferring proceeds elsewhere.
Guisseppe Sangiovanni, 35, is alleged to have played a leading role in the operation. Authorities accuse him of possessing lists of personal details used to claim introductory funds between January 2021 and August 2023, as well as transferring criminal proceeds to other accounts. Sangiovanni is currently being held at Oakwood Prison, and his hearing was moved to August 20 after technical problems prevented a video link with the court.
Patrick White, 31, faces allegations of obtaining free betting credit through false representations and transferring criminal property. He has been released on bail ahead of Crown Court proceedings. Julian Mackie, 32, also faces fraud-related charges, while his case was adjourned because of similar video-link difficulties.
Adon Bridgman-Simon, 33, failed to attend the Magistrates’ Court hearing, prompting the court to issue a warrant without bail. Stephianne Black, 31, is accused of supplying Primary Account Numbers while knowing they could be used fraudulently and of helping obtain introductory bet365 funds on Sangiovanni’s behalf. She is due at Gloucester Crown Court on September 17.
Benjamin Leach, 32, and Simeon Redway, 35, both from Gloucestershire, are also facing charges connected with fraud or the transfer of alleged criminal funds.
The case follows previous attempts to exploit bet365 promotions. In 2023, Jon Howard was jailed for five years after a scheme involving more than 1,000 accounts created under different identities defrauded the operator of more than £236,000.