Footballer’s fraud trial kicks off
Jurors have been sworn in to try a former Premier League footballer accused of carrying out a £2.5m investment fraud.
Ex-Charlton Athletic defender, Richard Rufus, 47, is accused of luring foreign investors into a huge currency scam between May 2007 and April 2012.
Jurors were sworn in to try the former pro at Southwark Crown Court with the prosecution expected to open the case tomorrow (tues).
Rufus was forced to retired from football at the age of 29 after an unsuccessful knee surgery was performed in the United States.
After his retirement in 2004, he began a career in the financial sector.
Rufus, of Anerley Hill, Crystal Palace, south London, denies three counts of fraud by false representation, one count of possessing criminal property and one count of carrying out a regulated activity when not authorised.
His trial is due to last three weeks.
