Website prosecuted over unauthorised Olympic ticket sales
A multimillion pound ticket sales company based in Norway has been summonsed to appear in court in London to face 22 charges of unauthorised selling of Olympics tickets.
The firm Euroteam allegedly set up links to sites promising tickets to a number of 2012 events which would be obtained through a network of representatives in the UK.
It’s the first time a firm has been summonsed under the Olympic Act and sources say it will be a big test for the legislation.
Today the Metropolitan Police dediicated unit under ‘Operation Podium’ revealed they’ve traced more than 50 victims, mostly abroad, of various internet scams and have identified more than 40 websites.
The officer in charge Superintendent Nick Downing said “we’re trying to police the world. It is challenging. Our biggest concern is the massive impact on the victim who may travel half way round the world to see an event and end up stuck in London with nowhere to go.’
In some cases, he said it’s proving very diffcult to suspend a site despite letters sent threatening civil action.
Holland and USA have been the most problematic even though requests have been made through the countries Olympic committees.
The Met has also expressed concerns about another eight websites and is appealing for people who have bought tickets or purchased accomodation to contact them vial email at: podiumenquiries@met.police.uk.
The other unauthorised websites causing the police concern are:
www.jetsetsport.info
www.sportticketexchange.com
www.globalticketmarket.com
www.2012-londonsummergames.org
www.2012-londonsummergames.com
www.eurosportstickets.com
www.shortlettinglondon.co.uk
www.cityoflondonlettings.co.uk
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