Yasmin Hollinshead accused of money laundering offences
The estranged wife of Neil Hollinshead, who fled to Dubai after an abortive takeover of London Welsh Rugby club, has been arrested. The couple lived together in West Hill, Putney before Mr. Hollinshead left the country.
The now bankrupt businessman told the club that his company Red Dragon Rugby had the backing of the Saudi Royal Family and could provide capital of £2.6 million to help get them back into the top flight of professional rugby.
Mr. Hollinshead claimed that he was acting on behalf of a Saudex Global which was headed by Prince Khalid Alwaleed Bin Talal Al Saud but the prince denied there was ever any association. Saudex Global has never filed any accounts but Mr. Hollinshead has since claimed that his Saudi backers were 'private people' who did not want the publicity associated with the deal.
Prior to his involvement with London Welsh, Mr. Hollinshead was also connected with London Scottish. Saudex Global became sponsors of the club with their logo appearing on the team's shirts. This deal also ended in acrimony with Kenny Logan, the former Scottish rugby star and husband of Gabby Logan claiming that he was owed £40,000 for work carried out for Mr. Hollinshead.
Another company, Arena Events Group, of which Mr Hollinshead is secretary and his wife is director, also sponsored Rosslyn Park.
Yasmin Hollinshead, aged 40, is now reportedly on bail facing charges of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering having been arrested in February.
London Welsh Rugby called in the police and started legal action against Mr. Hollinshead claiming that he had forged documents relating to the takeover. He and his wife deny the allegations against them. The police have stated that enquiries into the matter continue.
April 8, 2011