A British accountant who defrauded multiple television and music personalities, including Rita Ora and Matt Dawson, has now received jail time.
For years, Andrew Munday had used illegally-obtained funds, totaling around £3.35 million ($4.4 million), to pay for his extravagant lifestyle. This includes purchasing homes, Star Wars memorabilia, and exclusive sports memberships.
After pleading guilty to six counts of fraud and three counts of money laundering, he’ll now serve five years and eight months in prison.
Munday had defrauded Ora Multi Services Ltd., Rita Ora’s music company, of nearly £2.4 million ($3.1 million).
Speaking to the Northampton Crown Court, Prosecutor Simon Davis explained that Munday “had been living a lie.” The accountant had also used the money to fund a “spiraling gambling habit” shortly after declaring bankruptcy.
In a video posted on YouTube, Lee McBridge, a Detective Chief Inspector, explained,
“Andrew Munday was a professional, and was entrusted with finances which he misused to lead a lavish and extravagant lifestyle way beyond his means.”
The investigation into Munday’s fraudulent activities first started in 2016, when he had worked for Blue Cube Business Ltd.
Speaking about the illegal activities, Superintendent Richard Barnett, who managed the “complex investigation,” said,
“Munday abused his position of trust, which has caused significant financial and emotional harm to all of the victims.”
The now-jailed accountant had also purchased soccer memorabilia and designer jewelry using his clients’ cash.
Defending Munday, Nigel Edwards QC (Queen’s Counsel) had claimed that his client’s “severe gambling disorder” served as the “principal driver” of his actions. Yet, Munday had done his “level best” to turn things around.
“The mire the defendant found [himself] in became ever deeper, and his need and drivers to get out ever more compelling. The casinos and online websites essentially milked him dry.”
Other victims include Martin Bayfield, a retired rugby player and television personality, and pop singer/model VV Brown. Brown claimed Munday first came across as “charming and loyal.” Yet, after establishing a professional relationship with the singer, he soon became “defensive, aggressive, and controlling.”
Stating Munday’s activities eventually led to the end of her career in the music industry, Brown explained,
“I experienced all this stress whilst being pregnant with my first child.”
Nigel’s attorney added that Munday has now sought treatment for his addiction. Authorities have since sold all of his assets. In addition, Munday also allegedly helps other inmates recognize and seek treatment for gambling addictions.
Featured image by Fitore Gashi (CC by 2.0).