Police investigating alleged stalking of Boohoo owners
Police in Manchester and Kent are investigating claims that current and former executives at fashion retailer Boohoo have been victims of stalking and surveillance.
Greater Manchester Police said it was investigating allegations “relating to serious distress” but had made no arrests.
The Times newspaper reported that stalking is allegedly a crime Boohoo co-founder and executive chairman Mahmood Kamani was committed against chief executive Dan Finlay and its former boss John Little.
A spokesperson for Boohoo said: “It would be inappropriate to comment while the police investigation is ongoing.”
The Information Commissioner’s Office (IOC) said that Boohoo had informed them about a possible surveillance incident taking place outside the retailer’s headquarters in Manchester.
A spokesperson for the information watchdog said, “We can confirm that Boohoo Group has made us aware of concerns regarding the discovery of surveillance devices outside its head office.”
Greater Manchester Police said: “An investigation is ongoing into a stalking incident involving serious concern/distress and no arrests have been made at this stage.”
Kent Police said it was “investigating alleged stalking offences, including at locations in the Sevenoaks area”.
“The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made,” it said.
Mr Little, who stepped down as chief executive of Boohoo in October after five years in charge, has been contacted by the BBC for comment.
Mr Little’s departure follows Boohoo’s announcement that it is considering a major restructuring and possible breakup of the company, saying the business remains “fundamentally undervalued”.
Separately, Frasers Group, Boohoo’s largest shareholder, has criticized the company’s management, its recent results and its business review. In an open letter to other shareholders, Frasers also said he wanted to install Mike Ashley on Boohoo’s board.
In response, Boohoo has said: “Frasers intends to disrupt Boohoo’s business review and acts solely in his own commercial self-interest.”
Mr Ashley is the founder of Sports Direct and has built a retail empire including House of Fraser, Flannels and Evans Cycles which fall under parent company Frasers Group.
Shareholders will be able to vote on Frasers Group’s proposals for Boohoo at an extraordinary general meeting in Manchester on Friday, December 20.
