British FIFA hospitality boss accused of World Cup ticket scam FLEES police
AN international manhunt was launched yesterday after Fifa’s hospitality boss Ray Whelan went on the run as police prepared to swoop over an alleged multi- million pound World Cup ticket scam.
Police in Brazil alerted Interpol after the Briton slipped out of the five-star Copacabana Palace Hotel through a back entrance.
Police chief Fabio Barucke described Mr Whelan, 64, as a fugitive from justice.
Mr Whelan, from Cheadle, Greater Manchester, allegedly received a tip-off that police were about to re-arrest him.
Investigators said he left behind his luggage and two mobile phones in his £700-a-night suite.
Police are carrying out operations to arrest Raymond Whelan, who is a fugitive
Mr Whelan, who was said to be accompanied by his Brazilian lawyer Fernando Fernandes, also left the television switched on before apparently going on the run on Wednesday.
The Match Hospitality executive was captured on CCTV walking briskly past a security guard and through a staff exit.
A statement released by the Public Ministry in Rio said: “Police are carrying out operations to arrest Raymond Whelan, who is a fugitive.”
The investigation is centred on allegations an international gang pocketed up to £60million by acquiring VIP tickets to the tournament before illegally selling them on at inflated prices. Mr Whelan, a former agent to Sir Bobby Charlton, was first arrested on Monday by Brazilian police as part of Operation Jules Rimet.
Officers seized 82 hospitality packages and tickets, a laptop, two mobile phones and £760 in cash.
Mr Whelan was released on bail of £1,300 after handing over his passport.
Mr Barucke said investigators had recorded around 900 calls between Mr Whelan and Algerian ticket broker Lamine Fofana in which the sales of tickets were discussed.
Last night Switzerland-based Match released a statement insisting it was wrong for the police to describe Mr Whelan as “a fugitive” and that he had played no part in any scam.
The firm admitted it had not been able to contact Mr Whelan or his lawyer but said CCTV images show that Mr Whelan “did not rush from the hotel”.
The statement said: “Match must emphasise its understanding that the terms of Ray Whelan’s previous release did not restrict Ray Whelan’s movements, provided he stayed within Brazil.
“We do not believe that the term ‘fugitive’ is appropriate under the circumstances as he is presently with his lawyer.”