London 2012 Olympics tickets ‘scammer’ in dock

Wednesday, July 4, 2012
2:51 PM

A man was in the dock today charged with a massive Olympic tickets scam.

Christakis Ioannou appeared at West London Magistrates’ Court accused of two counts of fraud, one charge under the Proceeds of Crime Act and another relating to the London Olympic Games Act.

The 44-year-old, of Crantock Road in Catford, south-east London, gave no indication of how he intends to plead to the charges.

Deputy District Judge Leigh sent the case to Kingston Crown Court, saying she did not have powers to deal with such serious charges.

Ioannou was arrested last month in connection with Operation Podium, the Metropolitan Police’s investigation into ticket fraud and touting connected to the Olympics. So far, Operation Podium has made 186 arrests.

He is on bail and will appear at Kingston Crown Court on July 12.

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