A police investigation has been launched after it is believed funds have been misappropriated at Bristol Rovers Supporters Club. The supporters club announced the investigation is on-going last night and that it was triggered following the annual audit of their financial accounts. In a statement the club said: "Bristol Rovers Supporters Club financial accounts for the year that ended 30th June 2016 have now been audited and approved by the Executive Committee in readiness for adoption at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. "Having identified a probable misappropriation of funds in the financial accounts, the Accountants informed the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club officers who immediately contacted the police to report that they believed a criminal act had been committed. . "The Bristol Rovers Supporters Club officers then promptly sought legal advice and instructed legal representatives to initiate the necessary and agreed legal actions to protect the assets of the club. "In the meantime, a thorough police investigation was started into the misappropriation of funds. "That police investigation is still ongoing. Until the processes of the criminal justice system are concluded it will not be possible for the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club to comment further on the specific circumstances of the alleged criminal activity." It is unclear, at this stage, how much money is believed to have been misappropriated. In the supporters' club published accounts for the last financial year details that the club's current/business premium bank accounts had a total of £4,441. The year before the account had a total of £152,887. The supporters' club business base rate tracker account had a total of £1,039 at this financial year end compared to £17,037 at the previous year end. The police have been unable to confirm details about the investigation. We will update as and when we have more information.
Worrying, but then nothing surprises me with this club, I can see our friends from tthe South Western Suburbs milking this one !!
BRSC Statement February 9, 2017 Statement by the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club Executive Committee. Issued on Thursday 9th February 2017. Bristol Rovers Supporters Club financial accounts for the year that ended 30th June 2016 have now been audited and approved by the Executive Committee in readiness for adoption at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Having identified a probable misappropriation of funds in the financial accounts, the Accountants informed the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club officers who immediately contacted the police to report that they believed a criminal act had been committed. The Bristol Rovers Supporters Club officers then promptly sought legal advice and instructed legal representatives to initiate the necessary and agreed legal actions to protect the assets of the club. In the meantime, a thorough police investigation was started into the misappropriation of funds. That police investigation is still ongoing. Until the processes of the criminal justice system are concluded it will not be possible for the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club to comment further on the specific circumstances of the alleged criminal activity. .
Bristol Rovers have issued a statement following the launch of an investigation into suspected fraud at the club's supporters group. Last night the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club announced their annual audit had revealed a suspected misappropriation of funds. They confirmed they had reported the matter to the police, and it is understood the force's fraud team is now looking into it. This afternoon the club itself has spoken out in a bid to clarify the relationship between the club and the supporters club. A statement released on the club's website said: "Officials of Bristol Rovers Football Club were shocked to learn of the news' posted on the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club website this morning, which stated that there is an ongoing police investigation into the misappropriation of that organisation's funds. "Whilst the Board of Directors of the Football Club has every sympathy with the Supporters Club Committee, we feel it necessary to state that the two organisations are independent bodies. "Bristol Rovers Supporters Club does sell tickets and leisurewear on behalf of the Football Club and raises funds, via matchday 50/50 ticket sales, for the Bristol Rovers Academy. "All references to the misappropriation of funds contained in this morning's statement relate only to Bristol Rovers Supporters Club and not Bristol Rovers Football Club."
So it looks like someone has stolen around 150k, is that right? Im guessing that wint be cash just hiding in a bag under the floorboards for example but in fact money taken from the bank account? So who has access to this account? Surely the bank can say when the funds were withdrawn and how often and what amounts. Then the supporter club staff along with the police can put it all together to see who exactly has done this. Or has someone left the account details outside the shop in rubbish bags and a total stranger has stolen everything from the account? Whatever has happened, its a lot of money which basically is the fans money. I doubt this money can be replaces either. What next for the supporters clubs then? AGM soon which should be interesting.
Police have interviewed a suspect as part of their investigation into fraud at Bristol Rovers Supporters Club. The club announced late on Thursday that they had reported the suspected misappropriation of funds to the police. Now the force's fraud team have confirmed they have interviewed a suspect and as a result the case is now with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). A police spokesman said: "We can confirm that we've been investigating an allegation of fraud relating to the Bristol Rovers Supporters' Club. "A suspect has been interviewed on a voluntary basis and we have submitted the case to the CPS. "We are now waiting for them to make a formal charging decision. "We are continuing to work with the club and will keep them informed of the progress of the case." In a statement the club said: "Bristol Rovers Supporters Club financial accounts for the year that ended 30th June 2016 have now been audited and approved by the Executive Committee in readiness for adoption at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. "Having identified a probable misappropriation of funds in the financial accounts, the Accountants informed the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club officers who immediately contacted the police to report that they believed a criminal act had been committed. "The Bristol Rovers Supporters Club officers then promptly sought legal advice and instructed legal representatives to initiate the necessary and agreed legal actions to protect the assets of the club. "In the meantime, a thorough police investigation was started into the misappropriation of funds. "That police investigation is still ongoing. Until the processes of the criminal justice system are concluded it will not be possible for the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club to comment further on the specific circumstances of the alleged criminal activity." It is unclear, at this stage, how much money is believed to have been misappropriated. In the supporters' club published accounts for the last financial year details that the club's current/business premium bank accounts had a total of £4,441. The year before the account had a total of £152,887. The supporters' club business base rate tracker account had a total of £1,039 at this financial year end compared to £17,037 at the previous year end. Bristol Rovers released the following statement on the club's website on Friday afternoon: "Officials of Bristol Rovers Football Club were shocked to learn of the news' posted on the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club website this morning, which stated that there is an ongoing police investigation into the misappropriation of that organisation's funds. "Whilst the Board of Directors of the Football Club has every sympathy with the Supporters Club Committee, we feel it necessary to state that the two organisations are independent bodies. "Bristol Rovers Supporters Club does sell tickets and leisurewear on behalf of the Football Club and raises funds, via matchday 50/50 ticket sales, for the Bristol Rovers Academy. "All references to the misappropriation of funds contained in this morning's statement relate only to Bristol Rovers Supporters Club and not Bristol Rovers Football Club."
