Police investigate alleged stalking of executives
Manchester and Kent Police are investigating allegations that current and former executives at fashion retailer Boohoo were victims of stalking and surveillance.
Greater Manchester Police said it was investigating allegations “involving serious suffering” but no arrests had been made.
The Times reports alleged stalking crimes They targeted Boohoo co-founder and executive chairman Mahmud Kamani, chief executive Dan Finley and its former boss John Lyttle.
A spokesman for Boohoo said: “It would be inappropriate to comment while a police investigation is ongoing.”
The Information Commissioner’s Office (IOC) said Boohoo had informed them of a possible surveillance incident outside the retailer’s headquarters in Manchester.
A spokesman for the information regulator said: “We can confirm that Boohoo Group has made us aware of concerns that surveillance equipment was discovered outside its headquarters.”
Greater Manchester Police said: “An investigation into stalking involving serious alarm/distress is ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage.”
Kent Police said it was “investigating reports of stalking offenses, including at locations in the Sevenoaks area”.
“The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made,” the statement said.
Mr Little resigned as chief executive in October after five years at the helm of Boohoo and the BBC has contacted him for comment.
Mr Lyttle’s departure comes after Boohoo announced it was considering a major restructuring and possible break-up of the company, saying the business remained “fundamentally undervalued”.
Separately, Boohoo’s largest shareholder Frasers Group has criticized the company’s management, recent results and business review. In an open letter to other shareholders, Frasers also said it hoped to add Mike Ashley to the Boohoo board.
In response, Boohoo said: “Frasers appears to be intent on disrupting Boohoo’s business review and acting solely in its own commercial interests.”
Mr Ashley was the founder of Sports Direct and built a retail empire including House of Fraser, Flannels and Evans Cycles, part of Frasers Group parent company.
Shareholders will be able to vote on Frasers Group’s proposal for Boohoo at an extraordinary general meeting in Manchester on Friday 20 December.
