UK man indicted in alleged $99M wine fraud scheme that left investors high and dry
Share this @internewscast.com

A man from the United Kingdom was arraigned Friday in Brooklyn federal court following charges concerning a $99 million money laundering operation conducted via a fake wine company.

James Wellesley, 56, was arraigned after his extradition from the U.K., where he and co-defendant Stephen Burton, 58, were arrested in 2022.

The charges include wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy involving alleged activities through Bordeaux Cellars, a business managed by Wellesley and Burton.

A group of people, one man is pouring wine into a woman's wine glass.

A pair of British men are accused of scamming investors out of nearly $100 million in an alleged wine fraud scheme. (iStock)

Ricky Patel, HSI New York special agent in charge, accused the duo of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from collectors.

“James Wellesley and his accomplice are alleged to have orchestrated their almost $100 million global fraud scheme, which took advantage of unsuspecting individuals, including those in New York, for their personal gain,” stated Patel. 

“As alleged, the defendants claimed Bordeaux Cellars boasted a high-value wine stockpile and a clientele of ‘high-net-worth wine collectors’ and, in turn, profited handsomely, all while they swindled investors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more.”

Burton was extradited from Morocco in 2023 and is awaiting trial. Wellesley was ordered detained pending trial. 

If convicted, the pair face up to 20 years in prison.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' premieres at Venice Film Festival

Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ Debuts at Venice Film Festival

“Frankenstein” is up for significant awards at Venice, competing with films like…
Pope demands end to the 'pandemic of arms' as he prays for victims of Minnesota school shooting

Pope Calls for End to ‘Weapons Pandemic’ While Praying for Minnesota School Shooting Victims

Pope Leo XIV appealed for the cessation of what he termed the…
780,000 pressure washers recalled over explosions, injuries

780,000 Pressure Washers Recalled Due to Explosion and Injury Risks

NEW YORK (AP) — Approximately 780,000 pressure washers sold at retailers including…

Winning Numbers Announced for Estimated $1 Billion Powerball Jackpot

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The numbers for an estimated $1 billion…
A year after Hamas tunnel executions, Israel honors 'Beautiful Six' as hostage debate intensifies

One Year Later: Israel Commemorates the ‘Beautiful Six’ Executed by Hamas, Amid Ongoing Hostage Discussions

TEL AVIV, Israel — On Saturday, Israelis commemorated the one-year anniversary of…
Massachusetts postal fraud investigator Scott Kelley allegedly stole more than $330K from elderly scam victims

Massachusetts Postal Fraud Investigator Accused of Stealing Over $330K from Elderly Scam Victims

A former US postal investigator, who once led the fraud department, has…
Haunting footage shows suburban Minneapolis home where trans gunman plotted school attack

Eerie Footage Reveals Suburban Minneapolis Home Linked to Trans Gunman’s Planned School Attack

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Chilling new video showcases the two-story residence on a…
7th Annual St. Augustine Parish Car Show in Midlothian, Illinois displays more than 100 classic cars spanning decades

Seventh Annual St. Augustine Parish Car Show in Midlothian, Illinois Showcases Over 100 Classic Cars from Various Eras

MIDLOTHIAN, Ill. (WLS) — It was a drive down memory lane for…
Free museum days in Chicago 2025 at Art Institute, Field Museum and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

2025 Free Admission Days for Chicago’s Art Institute, Field Museum, and Museum of Science and Industry

CHICAGO (WLS) — Multiple Chicago museums are offering free admission for Illinois…
Israel eliminates Houthi prime minister in Yemen airstrike targeting senior government officials

Israel Airstrike in Yemen Targets and Kills Houthi Prime Minister and Top Officials

The Israel Defense Forces said on Saturday that it had killed the…
GCPD: Man arrested after shooting at officers multiple times at Brunswick motel

Police Arrest Man for Firing at Officers Several Times at a Brunswick Motel

The Glynn County Police Department said the man shot at officers who…
Hamas-Israel war: Israel soon will halt or slow aid to parts of Gaza Strip as IDF offensive grows

Hamas-Israel Conflict: Israel Plans to Reduce or Delay Aid to Certain Areas of Gaza Amid Rising IDF Operations

JERUSALEM — Israel is preparing to halt or slow humanitarian aid to…