Boohoo faces escalating espionage allegations as the Met Police joins a multi-force investigation.
- A security firm hired by Boohoo reveals a significant surveillance campaign targeting its executives.
- The reported surveillance includes following Boohoo executives across various locations using public transport.
- Unregistered surveillance equipment was reportedly discovered outside Boohoo’s Manchester headquarters.
- The allegations emerge amid corporate tension with major shareholder Frasers Group.
Boohoo is under increasing scrutiny as allegations of stalking and corporate espionage deepen. The Metropolitan Police has joined an ongoing inquiry involving multiple forces, examining claims that senior Boohoo executives were subjected to hostile surveillance.
Security consultancy Control Risks, engaged by Boohoo, has uncovered what it terms a “campaign of extensive hostile surveillance.” This reportedly targeted key figures like former CEO John Lyttle and co-founder Mahmud Kamani, with incidents of executives being followed in locations including London during July and August of this year.
According to reports, the alleged surveillance involved numerous operatives tracking Boohoo executives on public transportation and near their residences. Control Risks reportedly found unregistered surveillance devices outside Boohoo’s Manchester offices in November, which were turned over to authorities.
The investigations have coincided with significant leadership changes at Boohoo. John Lyttle resigned in October following five years as CEO, and his departure is speculated to be partially motivated by these security issues, which also saw two trespassers on his property.
Simultaneously, Mahmud Kamani has reportedly been physically assaulted. The ongoing police investigation has precluded Boohoo from commenting on the situation further.
These developments unfold against a backdrop of growing tension between Boohoo and its major shareholder, Frasers Group. With Frasers owning 28% of Boohoo, there are calls for leadership changes within the company, with Frasers advocating for Mike Ashley to step in as CEO.
Frasers Group, led by CEO Michael Murray, has expressed a critical view of Boohoo’s current leadership, urging restructuring moves including joining the board with expertise in crisis management. Control Risks, however, has refrained from commenting on its role in these investigations.
The ongoing investigations and corporate tensions underscore significant challenges Boohoo faces amidst these serious allegations.
