Two individuals have been arrested as part of a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation into Arena Television, the UK-owned outside broadcaster that collapsed into administration last November. 

In a statement, the SFO said it was conducting a criminal investigation into the business practices of individuals associated with Arena Television Limited and its linked entities.

“Three sites were searched this morning by the SFO with support from the National Crime Agency,” it said in a statement yesterday.  

“These searches and arrests form part of wider investigative activity being undertaken by the SFO in relation to this matter.”

“As this is an ongoing investigation, no further comment or information can be provided at this time.”

In December 2021, it was reported that Richard Yeowart, Arena Television’s founder, had abruptly ordered Arena TV to stop trading at the end of November and had left the country. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Robert Hopkinson, a director of Arena TV, also disappeared shortly after the company collapsed. Both Yeowart and Hopkinson were thought to be in France or Spain, according to a court document from November.

A probe by court-appointed administrators Kroll found that up to 55 lenders were owed over £280m in mostly asset-based loans made against equipment that may never have existed. 

The Kroll investigation is also looking into the relationship between Arena TV and Sentinel Broadcast, a supplier of audio-visual equipment. Kroll is believed to be looking at whether Sentinel Broadcast created false invoices in cooperation with Arena.

The SFO did not confirm which individual had been arrested. 

Arena Television’s absconded directors and lessors’ missing millions

Fraud prevention after Arena Television: will anything change?