Kenny Alexander and Ex-Entain Executives Set for 2028 Court Trial

A London court has scheduled the criminal trial of former GVC Holdings (now Entain) CEO Kenny Alexander and several former company executives for February 2028, marking one of the UK’s most complex corporate crime cases in recent years.

Good to Know

• Kenny Alexander and 10 others face charges including conspiracy to defraud and tax evasion.
• The first trial will begin in February 2028 and last around four months.
• Allegations relate to GVC’s former Turkish business, Headlong Limited, active between 2011 and 2017.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) brought the charges in August 2025 following a multi-year investigation into the company’s operations in Turkey and related tax activities.

Trials Set to Run Into 2029

At a plea and trial preparation hearing on Monday, Judge Baumgartner at Southwark Crown Court said the case would be divided into three separate trials due to its scale.

The first trial, which includes Alexander, ex-GVC chairman Lee Feldman, and five others, is set to begin on February 14, 2028, with a four-month trial window.

A second trial is scheduled for October 2028, involving Alexander MacAngus, Richard Raubitscheck-Smith, and Raymond Smart. MacAngus faces charges of conspiracy to defraud, while Raubitscheck-Smith and Smart are accused of conspiracy to defraud and bribery.

A final hearing will begin on March 5, 2029, focusing on Robert Hoskin, Entain’s former Chief Governance Officer (2020–2023), who faces a charge of perverting the course of justice.

During Monday’s hearing, the judge opted to delay the formal arraignment process, meaning defendants have not yet entered pleas.

Evidence Challenges and Venue Debate

The defence has raised concerns over the vast volume of material presented by the CPS, with one lawyer describing it as a “blizzard of material.” Judge Baumgartner urged both sides to engage in discussions to manage evidence efficiently.

There were also discussions over whether the case should be relocated to Leeds Crown Court, given that much of the alleged conduct occurred in northern England. However, the judge ruled the trial would remain in London, saying that moving it would cause “great cost for the public purse.”

Questions also arose about potential reporting restrictions related to Entain’s ongoing commercial interests, though no ruling was made.

Allegations Tied to GVC’s Former Turkish Operations

The charges stem from GVC Holdings’ historical operations in Turkey through its former subsidiary Headlong Limited, which it owned from 2011 until 2017.

In 2017, GVC sold Headlong to Ropso Malta Limited in a deal that included a performance-based earn-out worth up to €150 million ($175 million). The company claimed all ties to the Turkish business were severed at the time.

However, the UK’s HMRC continued to investigate, expanding the probe in 2020 to include potential corporate wrongdoing.

In 2023, Entain admitted that “historical misconduct may have occurred” and agreed to pay a £585 million settlement for alleged violations of the UK Bribery Act linked to its Turkey operations. The settlement also included a £20 million charitable donation and £10 million to cover CPS and HMRC legal expenses.

From Corporate Compliance to Criminal Court

Following the settlement, prosecutors turned their focus to individual accountability. Alexander and several former executives were charged in August 2025 with conspiracy to defraud and evasion of income tax, along with related bribery offences.

The upcoming trials will examine whether GVC executives personally benefited from undisclosed Turkish transactions and whether company funds were improperly used to conceal payments.

It is interesting to note, that Entain is currently the U.K.’s second biggest corporate offender.

FAQ

Who is Kenny Alexander?

He is the former CEO of GVC Holdings, the company that rebranded as Entain, which owns brands such as Ladbrokes, Coral, and Bwin.

What are the main charges?

Defendants face charges including conspiracy to defraud, bribery, and fraudulent tax evasion tied to GVC’s historical Turkish operations.

When will the trials take place?

The first trial starts February 14, 2028, followed by hearings in October 2028 and March 2029.

What was Entain’s role in the investigation?

Entain cooperated with authorities and paid a £585 million settlement over corporate failures linked to the Turkey business, though current management is not accused of wrongdoing.

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