X Factor former executive faces fraud allegations

A former executive of the X Factor and American Idol faces allegations of fraud to the tune of over £850,000.

Ex-Chief Financial Officer of FremantleMedia, the company behind hit TV shows 'Take Me Out' and Grand Designs, Ian Ousey, has not been arrested or charged but has reportedly visited Holborn Police Station in central London.

FremantleMedia made the allegations about Mr Ousey to the Police, claiming that he submitted false invoices and payment authorisations for expenses over a 17 year period while working in his senior role for the company.

Mr Ousey had previously had his assets frozen when Fremantle obtained a court order until an agreement was reached.  Although the sum was paid back as part of a £1.4million legal settlement last year, the high profile CFO could still face prosecution in court.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, Mr Ousey's expenses claims allegedly included £237,000 which was paid to a holiday home developer in Portugal, with a further £477,000 covering cars, mobile phones, courier payments and credit cards.

Although Fremantle could not comment for legal reasons, Mr Ousey's lawyer, Rodney Hylton-Potts told reporters that his client was 'desperately sorry' but claims that not all of the money was accepted wrongfully.

Mr Hylton-Potts who was himself reportedly struck off the solicitors' register when he was jailed for fraud back in the 1990's added, "He admits wrongfully receiving £237,000 as part of a larger sum as yet to be determined.  He was very happy to make full repayment with interest, legal and investigative charges".

If you need the advice of an experienced litigation solicitor then call Mandy Peters on 0208 297 4414 or email advice@mandypeterssolicitors.co.uk.

Mandy Peters

London Litigation Solicitors

Tel: 0208 297 4414