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Scammer jailed over fake Champions League tickets

EPA Liverpool on the defensive in the 2022 Uefa Champions League final in Paris. The Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is photographed diving full length to his left to save a shot on goal from Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.EPA
Duped Liverpool fans were devastated they could not see their team take on Real Madrid in Paris

A scammer who sold fake tickets for Liverpool's 2022 Champions League final in Paris against Real Madrid conned football fans out of £40,000, police have said.

Lee Waldron, 41, was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court of acquiring, using and possessing criminal property.

Det Ch Insp Chris Maddocks, from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU), said: "The impact on the victims in this case has been significant, and it highlights the importance of purchasing tickets from reputable sources."

Waldron, of Norbury Road in the Kirkby area of the city, was jailed on Monday for 21 months.

'Fraud'

Detectives examined bank records and discovered Waldron had received £40,000 from victims who had been sent fake tickets as PDFs.

NWROCU said: "Victims who were eager to see the highly anticipated match were left devastated when they discovered the tickets were fraudulent."

Further investigation revealed that, as part of his scam, Waldron coerced another man into setting up a bank account.

In return, Waldron promised him a flight to Paris and a ticket to the final, in which the Reds were beaten 1-0 by Real.

Another of Waldron's associates admitted conspiracy to commit fraud in December 2023 and was jailed for 18 months.

Det Ch Insp Maddocks said: "We will continue to pursue those who seek to exploit fans for their own financial gain, and we're committed to bringing offenders like Waldron to justice."

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