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Whisky Barrel Fraud Leaves Victims Facing Financial Ruin

Whisky Barrel Fraud Leaves Victims Facing Financial Ruin

Hundreds deceived by false investment promises as police probe multi-million pound scam

An investigation by the BBC has uncovered a large-scale whisky barrel investment fraud, in which hundreds of individuals were swindled out of millions of pounds, with some losing their entire life savings.

The scam involved convincing investors to purchase casks of whisky that were either overpriced, did not exist, or had been sold multiple times to different people. Among the victims is Jay Evans, who has terminal cancer and was informed that it could take 25 years to recover the money she invested.

The inquiry reveals that police are currently investigating three companies in Scotland over fraud allegations linked to these whisky cask sales, with total losses estimated in the millions.

The whisky cask investment market has surged in popularity, driven by claims of significant financial returns as whisky matures. Buyers typically acquire freshly distilled spirit and hold onto it for years, anticipating that its value will rise as it becomes Scotch whisky.

However, a lack of regulation within the industry has created opportunities for fraudulent activity. Rogue traders have exploited this gap, using exaggerated promises and deceptive tactics to persuade people to invest.

Alison Cocks, from Montrose, invested £103,000 in Cask Whisky Ltd, a company operated by a man identifying himself as Craig Arch. Initially, she purchased a single cask for £3,000, which appeared legitimate. She later bought three additional casks, investing a total of £100,000 after being promised returns of up to 50%.

When Mrs Cocks later requested to sell her casks, the company ceased communication. She began investigating and discovered that the casks listed on her certificates were not stored in the stated warehouses. Experts informed her that she had paid five times their actual value, and one cask she paid £49,500 for did not exist.

Further investigation revealed that Craig Arch was, in fact, Craig Brooks – a convicted fraudster and disqualified director. In 2019, Brooks and his brother were jailed over a £6.2m scam involving fake investments in carbon credits and rare metals. Despite this, Brooks was secretly running Cask Whisky Ltd and another firm, Cask Spirits Global Ltd, under false names.

Another affected investor, NHS worker Jay Evans from Peacehaven, invested nearly £76,000 in a company called Whisky Scotland. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, she sold her home to fund the investment, hoping to secure her family’s financial future. However, two of the casks she purchased did not exist, and the others were worth far less than promised.

Whisky Scotland’s directors have since disappeared, leaving investors unable to reclaim their money. Jay’s wife, Susie Walker, said the experience had been “heart-breaking,” as Jay’s hard-earned savings vanished overnight.

Geoff Owens, a locksmith from Wrexham, also lost over £100,000 through Whisky Scotland. He vowed to keep searching for answers and warned the fraudsters they would be held accountable.

Legitimate whisky industry figures have spoken out about the growing prevalence of scams. Martin Armstrong, who manages a bonded warehouse storing 48,000 casks, reported being contacted daily by investors seeking to locate missing barrels. Kenny Macdonald, a respected broker, said that while many in the sector were honest, others were selling non-existent casks to unsuspecting buyers.

The City of London Police’s Serious and Organised Crime team has confirmed an active investigation into these fraudulent schemes, while victims continue their fight for justice and to recover their losses.

British Steel to Shut Scunthorpe Furnaces, Threatening 2,700 Jobs

British Steel to Shut Scunthorpe Furnaces, Threatening 2,700 Jobs

Closure plans risk ending 160 years of steelmaking in Scunthorpe as unions warn of national security concerns

British Steel has announced proposals to close its two blast furnaces and steel production facilities in Scunthorpe, jeopardising up to 2,700 roles and signalling the potential end of steelmaking in the area after more than a century and a half.

The steelmaker, controlled by Chinese firm Jingye, revealed that it will immediately begin discussions with staff and trade unions regarding possible redundancies, alongside plans to reduce the capacity of its steel rolling mill. If the closure proceeds, around 2,000 to 2,700 positions could be lost from the site’s total workforce of approximately 3,500.

Unions have described the move as “devastating” and warned that the UK risks becoming the only G7 nation without domestic primary steel production. Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the union Community, emphasised that such a decision would pose a severe threat to Britain’s national security.

According to industry body UK Steel, the closure would dismantle essential production of rail steel, heavy sections, and light sections – key materials for transport, infrastructure, and construction – forcing British industries to rely on international suppliers.

British Steel explained that despite £1.2 billion invested by Jingye since acquiring the business in 2020, the Scunthorpe operation has continued to face unsustainable losses of £700,000 per day. Added pressures now include the recent 25% tariff imposed by the US on steel imports, alongside increasing environmental costs for high-carbon steel manufacturing.

The company outlined three possible timelines for closure: as early as June, in September, or at an unspecified future date. CEO Zengwei An acknowledged the distress caused, stating: “This is an incredibly difficult announcement, but one that reflects the serious financial challenges we confront.”

Union leaders and local officials have urged the government to intervene, with unions requesting an additional £200 million to keep the blast furnaces running until greener electric alternatives can be established. Reports indicate that a £500 million rescue offer from the government was declined by Jingye earlier this week.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds recognised the anxiety facing workers and their families, but expressed optimism for the long-term future of British steel. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing up to £2.5 billion in modernising the sector, adding that a comprehensive steel strategy would soon be released.

Unions Community, GMB and Unite have collectively called on ministers to step in, stressing the strategic significance of Scunthorpe’s plant. Unite’s national officer, Linda McCulloch, stated: “Losing the UK’s last blast furnaces would be catastrophic. The government must now act to prevent this.”

Rickhuss echoed the appeal, urging both Jingye and officials to resume talks, adding that the furnaces could still be retained temporarily if government support for a transition to low-carbon steelmaking were secured.

Ukraine’s Naval Tactics Shift the Balance in the Black Sea, Pressuring Putin into Truce

Ukraine’s Naval Tactics Shift the Balance in the Black Sea, Pressuring Putin into Truce

Kyiv’s innovative sea warfare forces Russia into retreat, reshaping Black Sea dominance

Despite lacking a conventional navy, Ukraine has effectively outmanoeuvred Russia in the Black Sea, forcing Vladimir Putin’s fleet into a defensive stance. With its warships heavily damaged and its naval operations disrupted, Russia’s push for a ceasefire in the Black and Azov seas has become increasingly urgent.

Three years after the full-scale invasion, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is largely inactive. The destruction of the Moskva, its flagship cruiser, in 2022 marked a turning point. Since then, Ukraine has employed long-range missiles, drones, and precision strikes to neutralise at least 20 Russian vessels, including troop carriers and smaller combat ships.

The UK’s Ministry of Defence has labelled Russia’s fleet “functionally inactive,” as many of its remaining warships have retreated to safer harbours like Novorossiysk. Putin’s forces have lost an estimated 30-40% of their naval capacity in the region.

Ukraine’s naval personnel, though limited in number, remain vigilant. Crews on repurposed patrol boats work tirelessly, defending against Russian drone attacks over Odesa. Lieutenant Commander Mykhailo, stationed on one such vessel, notes that while Russian sea drones occasionally appear, direct naval confrontations have all but ceased.

Ukraine’s innovative approach to naval warfare has bypassed traditional fleet battles. With Turkey restricting military passage through the Bosphorus Strait, Kyiv has shifted focus to advanced sea drones and long-range strikes. The strategy has been highly effective, significantly weakening Russia’s presence in the region.

Beyond military success, Ukraine has managed to restore grain exports to pre-war levels, despite initial disruptions caused by Russian attacks. The brief agreement to allow agricultural shipments collapsed in mid-2023, but Russia’s weakened control over the Black Sea has since enabled Kyiv to resume vital trade routes.

Lieutenant Commander Cedric Dmytro Pletenchuk of the Ukrainian navy highlights the key phases of their success: sinking the Moskva, striking Russian bases in Crimea, and forcing Moscow’s fleet into withdrawal. He notes that continued pressure has compelled Russian warships to relocate frequently to evade Ukrainian attacks.

Despite Russia’s push for a ceasefire, Ukraine remains sceptical. The ongoing bombardment of civilian targets, including recent missile strikes on cargo ships, reinforces Kyiv’s stance that Moscow cannot be trusted to honour a truce. Public sentiment in Ukraine overwhelmingly rejects any settlement that fails to guarantee territorial integrity.

The roots of Ukraine’s Black Sea strategy trace back to the war’s early days in 2022, when a Russian warship demanded the surrender of troops stationed on Snake Island. Their defiant response symbolised Kyiv’s resistance and set the stage for a new era of naval warfare—one that continues to challenge Russia’s dominance at sea.

Bank of England Rate Cut Prospects Rise as Inflation Falls to 2.8%

Bank of England Rate Cut Prospects Rise as Inflation Falls to 2.8%

Greater-than-expected decline in February inflation boosts market expectations for May rate reduction

The likelihood of the Bank of England reducing interest rates in May has increased following a sharper-than-anticipated drop in inflation last month.

On the same day as the chancellor’s spring statement, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced that consumer price inflation eased to 2.8% in February, down from 3% in January. The decline exceeded the City’s forecast of 2.9%, marking a slowdown in price increases despite persistent cost pressures on households from energy and food.

Although inflation remains above the central bank’s 2% target, the possibility of a rate cut in May remains uncertain, particularly as some economists expect inflation to rise again later in the year. However, financial markets have responded to the latest data by raising the probability of a rate cut, with traders now pricing in a 55% chance of the Bank of England lowering its base rate to 4.25% on 8 May.

According to Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the ONS, the primary factor behind February’s decline was a drop in clothing prices, particularly in women’s fashion. This was partially offset by small increases in the cost of alcoholic beverages.

The figures were released just hours before the chancellor’s speech in Parliament, where Rachel Reeves presented a downbeat assessment of the economy and public finances, based on projections from the Office for Budget Responsibility.

The UK economy has struggled to grow in recent months, with high inflation and borrowing costs weighing on consumer and business confidence. Concerns over government tax policies and international trade tensions have further dampened sentiment.

Looking ahead, inflationary pressures are expected to mount again, driven by rising wholesale energy costs and increasing food prices. The Bank of England has warned that inflation could peak at 3.7% later this year, adding to the financial strain on households.

In April, families will face higher council tax, utility bills, and other expenses, while businesses are bracing for the impact of increased employer national insurance contributions. Economic analysts have cautioned that these factors could push inflation close to 4% in the coming months.

Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics, suggested that inflation could fall to 2.5% in March, but noted that upcoming increases in utility and water bills could drive it back above 3% in April.

The persistence of elevated inflation is expected to constrain the Bank of England’s ability to cut interest rates, while also keeping government borrowing costs high—posing further challenges for the Treasury.

Core inflation, which excludes food and energy and is closely monitored by policymakers, fell to 3.5% in February from 3.7% in January. Meanwhile, inflation in the services sector remained steady at 5%.

The Bank of England has signalled a cautious approach to rate cuts, with expectations of only two further quarter-point reductions this year. Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the Treasury, emphasised that the government’s priority is maintaining economic stability and supporting working households.

US Security Leak Exposes High-Level Military Debate

US Security Leak Exposes High-Level Military Debate

Vice-President Vance Questioned Strike on Houthis in Leaked Messages

A major security breach has rocked Washington, revealing confidential discussions among top officials in the Trump administration about military action in Yemen. The leak originated from a private Signal chat group, reportedly including Vice-President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.

Journalist Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic unexpectedly gained access to the group, where discussions centred on launching airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi forces. Goldberg claimed to have seen details of the planned attack, including targets and timing, hours before the operation took place.

Vance was reportedly sceptical about the strike, arguing that protecting shipping routes in the Suez Canal primarily benefited Europe rather than the US. He expressed concerns about a potential rise in oil prices and suggested delaying the attack. However, he ultimately agreed to support the decision.

Messages in the group also revealed frustration with European nations, with Hegseth condemning what he called their reliance on US military support. Another official suggested the US should demand economic compensation from Europe and Egypt for securing navigation routes.

After the airstrikes were executed, officials in the chat exchanged celebratory emojis, including American flags and prayers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles reportedly sent messages of support.

The incident has raised alarms over national security, with Democrats demanding an investigation into how a journalist was added to such a sensitive discussion. Trump has downplayed the controversy, stating he was unaware of the situation, while Hegseth insisted that no classified information was shared.

Historic Green Light for UK’s Longest Road Tunnel Project

Historic Green Light for UK’s Longest Road Tunnel Project

£8.3bn Lower Thames Crossing to Ease Congestion and Boost Connectivity

A groundbreaking infrastructure project has been given the go-ahead, with the UK set to construct its longest-ever road tunnel as part of the £8.3bn Lower Thames Crossing development.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has granted approval for National Highways’ application to build a 14.5-mile road connecting Kent and Essex. This major project, described as the most significant road initiative in decades, includes a 2.6-mile tunnel beneath the River Thames.

Designed to relieve congestion on the Dartford Crossing, the new motorway-style road will nearly double capacity for crossings east of London, linking the A2 and M2 in Kent with the A13 and M25 in Essex. The initiative has been in planning since 2009, with over £800m already spent on development.

National Highways stated that private finance options are being explored, with estimates suggesting the total cost could rise to £10bn. Construction is expected to begin next year, with the road anticipated to open in the early 2030s.

Matt Palmer, Executive Director of the Lower Thames Crossing at National Highways, emphasised the project’s benefits, highlighting its role in supporting economic growth, improving travel efficiency, and setting a new standard for sustainable construction.

While the decision has been welcomed by businesses and industry leaders, some local authorities and campaign groups have voiced concerns over its environmental and social impact. Critics argue that the project could cause significant disruption and question whether the funding would be better allocated elsewhere.

Despite opposition, the government remains committed to the project, positioning it as a key infrastructure investment to enhance connectivity between the South and the Midlands, facilitate trade, and support regional economic growth.

Power Supply Was Sufficient Despite Heathrow Shutdown, Says National Grid

Power Supply Was Sufficient Despite Heathrow Shutdown, Says National Grid

CEO John Pettigrew Affirms Two Substations Remained Operational as Fire Disrupted Airport

The chief executive of National Grid has stated that Heathrow Airport had adequate power from alternative substations, despite the disruptions caused by Friday’s fire at an electrical substation in Hayes.

John Pettigrew confirmed that two substations remained operational, ensuring that power was always available for Heathrow and the distribution network companies. However, flight operations were suspended after the fire damaged a substation on Thursday evening, with services only resuming late on Friday.

Speaking to The Financial Times, Pettigrew explained: “There was no shortage of capacity from the substations. Each of them, independently, can supply Heathrow with the necessary power.”

Heathrow’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, explained that a back-up transformer also failed during the outage, leading to a shutdown of critical systems as engineers worked to redirect power from the remaining substations.

A 2014 consultancy report had already identified weaknesses in Heathrow’s power infrastructure, warning that outages could lead to severe operational disruptions.

In response to the incident, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has directed the National Energy System Operator (Neso) to conduct an urgent investigation, with preliminary findings expected in six weeks. Counter-terrorism officers initially assessed the fire but later determined it was not suspicious, leaving the London Fire Brigade to lead the investigation into the electrical failure.

Meanwhile, Heathrow has launched an internal review of its crisis management procedures, led by former Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly. Airport officials have apologised for the disruption, stating that normal flight schedules resumed by Sunday, with over 1,300 flights operating as planned.

Heathrow Airport Temporarily Closes Due to Substation Fire

Heathrow Airport Temporarily Closes Due to Substation Fire

Blaze at Electrical Substation Halts Airport Operations for 18 Hours, Disrupting Thousands of Flights

A fire at an electrical substation in Hayes, west London, late on Friday night led to the temporary closure of Heathrow Airport, causing widespread travel disruption.

The blaze broke out just before midnight, prompting emergency services to deploy 70 firefighters and ten fire engines to the scene. A safety cordon of 200 metres was established around the site.

As a result, Heathrow suspended all operations for 18 hours, leading to over 1,000 flight cancellations and leaving thousands of passengers stranded worldwide. The shutdown also disrupted the movement of goods worth millions of pounds passing through the airport.

John Pettigrew, Chief Executive of National Grid, described the fire as a “unique event” but reassured that two other substations remained operational, capable of supplying sufficient power to Heathrow. However, the time required to switch power from the damaged substation to the remaining two contributed to the delays in resuming operations.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander declined to comment on Heathrow’s management during the crisis, stating that the airport’s board was responsible for such evaluations.

The UK government has launched a six-week inquiry into the incident, led by the National Energy System Operator (Neso), with initial findings expected in May.

Heathrow Airport Shut Down: What Compensation Are You Entitled To for Flight Cancellations?

Heathrow Airport Shut Down: What Compensation Are You Entitled To for Flight Cancellations?

Understanding Airline Responsibilities and Your Passenger Rights Amid Major Disruptions

At 3am on Friday, 21 May, Heathrow Airport—the busiest in Europe—was forced to close due to a severe fire, causing widespread travel chaos. Hundreds of flights were either diverted or cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Although airlines are not required to provide compensation in cases beyond their control, such as this, passengers may still be entitled to care, depending on their departure location and airline.

For flights departing from the UK, EU, or EEA, passenger rights are protected under regulations known as UK261 and EC261. These laws, which were originally introduced in 2006 and later adopted into UK legislation post-Brexit, mandate that airlines offer assistance when flights are disrupted. This includes providing meals, hotel accommodation, and alternative transport in cases of significant delays or cancellations.

However, eligibility for compensation varies. If a flight is cancelled or delayed due to circumstances within the airline’s control—such as technical failures—passengers could claim up to £520 (€600), depending on the journey distance. Delays exceeding three hours could also trigger compensation, unless the airline can prove “extraordinary circumstances” were responsible.

For travellers departing from outside the UK and EU on non-European carriers, rights are more limited, and passengers may need to rely on their travel insurance to recover expenses.

When an airline is responsible for a disruption, passengers should expect prompt assistance, including food and overnight accommodation if necessary. However, in practice, some airlines require customers to cover costs upfront and submit claims later.

If an airline refuses a valid compensation claim, passengers may need to escalate their complaint through alternative dispute resolution services, legal action, or third-party claims companies—though these often take a significant share of the payout.

For those facing delays, understanding airline obligations and knowing how to claim compensation can help minimise inconvenience and ensure fair treatment.

Former Abercrombie CEO Faces Growing Allegations of Sexual Abuse

Former Abercrombie CEO Faces Growing Allegations of Sexual Abuse

Over 40 Men Accuse Mike Jeffries of Assault, Drugging and Exploitation

More than 40 men have now accused former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries of sexual assault, rape, or drugging, according to legal representatives speaking to the BBC.

Jeffries, previously charged with sex trafficking, is facing multiple civil lawsuits alleging he used modelling opportunities as a front to exploit young men. The claims span from the 1990s, when Jeffries began his tenure at A&F, and now include company employees as well as former models.

A&F itself is also being sued for negligence, with accusations that the company knowingly allowed Jeffries and his British partner, Matthew Smith, to carry out serious sexual crimes. While the company has previously stated it was “appalled” by the allegations, it has not issued further comment.

Among the latest allegations, some men say they were already employed by A&F when they were assaulted, raising concerns about the company’s responsibility to protect staff. Jeffries led the company between 1992 and 2014, overseeing its controversial branding strategies.

Now 80, Jeffries remains under house arrest, having pleaded not guilty to charges of running a global sex trafficking operation with Smith, 61, and their associate, James Jacobson, 72. Prosecutors claim they orchestrated a highly organised scheme targeting young men across the US, Europe, and North Africa. If convicted, they face life sentences.

The lawsuits have gained momentum since a BBC investigation in 2023 uncovered the alleged abuse. Civil lawyer Brad Edwards, representing 26 claimants, suggested that the total number of victims could exceed 100. Attorney Jared Scotto, who also represents former A&F employees among his clients, described a pattern of coercion and exploitation stretching back to 1992.

Separate lawsuits in New York allege Jeffries raped men after luring them with the promise of modelling jobs. Victims say they were pressured into taking illegal substances, subjected to degrading sexual acts, and, in some cases, forced to sign non-disclosure agreements under duress.

Lawyers representing victims argue that the power imbalance was extreme, allowing Jeffries and Smith to operate with impunity while A&F prioritised profits over accountability. Legal proceedings continue, with further potential claimants expected to come forward.