On 28 November 2019, GVC Holdings (UK) Limited, a subsidiary of GVC Holdings PLC (LON:GVC), received an order requiring it to produce information to HM Revenue & Customs relating to the group’s former Turkish facing online gambling business. At that time, the Company understood that HMRC’s investigation was directed at a number of former third party suppliers, relating to the processing of payments for online gambling in Turkey.
Prior to 20 July, it had been understood that no GVC entity was a subject of HMRC’s investigation, following requests for clarity from HMRC as to the status of its investigation. However, HMRC yesterday informed the Company that it was widening the scope of its investigation and is now examining “potential corporate offending” by an entity (or entities) within the GVC group which HMRC has not yet identified.
Both the Company and GVC are surprised by the decision to extend the investigation in this way and are disappointed by the lack of clarity provided by HMRC as to the scope of its investigation. HMRC has not yet provided details of the nature of the historic conduct it is investigating, with the exception of a reference to section 7 Bribery Act 2010, nor has it clarified which part of the GVC group is under investigation. In the meantime, the Company continues to co-operate fully with HMRC regarding the provision of information.
GVC Holdings disposed of its Turkish facing business in December 2017.
A further update will be provided, if appropriate.
