Gareth Bale’s ‘father-in-law’ faces TEN YEARS in jail for massive £2million fraud
THE father of Gareth Bale’s fiancée has admitted conning more than 250 people in a brazen £2million fraud.
Martin Rhys-Jones is the father of Gareth Bale's fiancée
Martin Rhys-Jones, father of the Real Madrid star’s girlfriend Emma Rhys-Jones, is facing a decade in a US jail after pleading guilty to the scam.
More than 250 victims from Britain and Canada were conned into buying shares that were almost worthless.
The 52-year-old – who is a grandfather to Bale’s two daughters – fled Britain for Spain after skipping bail but was later caught and extradited to the US.
The fraudster has been refused bail in case his daughter tries to help him escape justice.
Rhys-Jones admitted to his part in the million-dollar fraud at Buffalo Federal Court, in New York State.
Martin Rhys-Jones admitted to conning more than 250 people
Bale and Emma have two young daughters together
Assistant US Attorney Russell Ippilito said the large-scale con was masterminded from Barcelona.
The court heard the money was passed through a New York bank then sent to various off-shore accounts.
So far, 12 people have been arrested and four have already been convicted – including Rhys-Jones’s right-hand-man, Arnold Wrobel.
Rhys-Jones has been in US custody for the past two years and was refused bail by prosecutors.
Real Madrid fans ask Gareth Bale to take a photo of THEM
It is certainly reasonable to conclude that Rhys-Jones’s daughter could be a source of support
Prosecutors said: “It is certainly reasonable to conclude that Rhys-Jones’s daughter [Emma] could be a source of support which would enable him to fight his return to the United States.”
He is set to be charged in August.