Man 'made more than £1 million selling fake football memorabilia', court hears
A CONMAN made more than £1million from selling a “staggering” amount of fake football memorabilia, a court heard yesterday.
BNPS
David Rennie, 46, sold 4,500 shirts, boots and balls he claimed were signed by stars including Rooney, Messi and Ronaldo, it was alleged.
He is said to have led a life of luxury and paid no tax while operating the internet scam for nine years through his business FA Premier Signings.
He told customers his team spent hours at training grounds waiting for autographs and had good relationships with players and clubs.
But he bought replica gear from shops like Sports Direct and used marker pens to forge signatures, Bournemouth Crown Court was told.
He was rumbled by a genuine memorabilia dealer who grew suspicious, the court heard.
Prosecutor Lee Reynolds said Rennie ran a “sophisticated” racket from home in Banbury, Oxfordshire.
Mr Reynolds said: "The prosecution allege Mr Rennie was engaged in a dishonest business, a fraudulent business and the money from that business was also processed in a way that makes it a criminal offence.”
Rennie denies running a fraudulent business and transferring criminal proceeds.
The trial continues.
