Former Halifax footballer Stephen Oleksewycz, 39, found himself facing the gavel’s verdict at Leeds Crown Court on August 3, 2023.
The court’s ruling imposed a 27-month imprisonment on him due to his involvement in fraud offenses and his dual role as a company director while still an undischarged bankrupt.
Furthermore, he was tasked with reimbursing the defrauded creditors within a three-month window.
Oleksewycz’s journey into the events promotion realm came as an alternative path after he retired from professional football due to injury. In February 2016, he founded ‘An Exp With Ltd,’ positioning himself as the sole director.
However, his financial fortunes took a downward spiral later that same year, leading to his bankruptcy, catalyzed by an outstanding debt exceeding £16,000
Former footballer sentence to 27 months imprisonment for acting as a director
Under the umbrella of bankruptcy regulations, acting as a company director or managing a business becomes a criminal offense unless granted explicit court permission. Oleksewycz operated as a director for ‘An Exp With Ltd’ without this required authorization. This company facilitated the noteworthy ‘An Experience With’ event in February 2017, featuring the prominent mixed-martial arts fighter, Conor McGregor.
The web of deception unraveled when Oleksewycz furnished counterfeit documents to EventCity, the venue company, and Groovy Gecko, responsible for streaming the event. When both companies confronted him about missing fees, he resorted to manipulating bank documents to falsely indicate that the payments were in progress, buying time in the lead-up to the event. This ploy coerced the companies into proceeding with the event, fearing its collapse if they raised concerns.
Despite this maneuver, Groovy Gecko ended up empty-handed, owed more than £15,000, while EventCity received a meager £5,000 out of the outstanding total nearing £80,000. Subsequently, both companies were informed of ‘An Exp With Ltd’s’ liquidation.
Glenn Wicks, the Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, emphasized the gravity of Oleksewycz’s actions. He underscored how Oleksewycz’s role as an undischarged bankrupt director was a severe violation, exacerbated by his intentional deception of two businesses that had extended trust despite reservations about his conduct.
Initially, Oleksewycz pleaded not guilty during the initial hearings at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on February 23, 2021. However, when the case finally reached trial at Leeds Crown Court in June 2022, he changed his plea to guilty for these offenses while other charges against him were dropped.
Background
- Stephen Oleksewycz is of Halifax. His date of birth is February 1983.
- An Exp With Ltd (company number 09988094)
- Oleksewycz pleaded guilty to the following specific offences:
- Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 section 11 – acting as a director whilst an undischarged bankrupt – 13 months
- Fraud Act 2006 section 11 – obtaining services dishonestly – 27 months
- Fraud Act 2006 section 11 – obtaining services dishonestly – 27 months
- Insolvency Act 1986 section 206 – fraud during the course of winding up – 16 months
- Insolvency Act 1986 section 206 – fraud during the course of winding up – 16 months
All to be served concurrently making overall sentence of 27 months.
With over three decades of experience in the business and turnaround sector, Steve Jones is one of the founders of Business Insolvency Helpline. With specialist knowledge of Insolvency, Liquidations, Administration, Pre-packs, CVA, MVL, Restructuring Advice and Company investment.