Ex-Brookside star Philip Foster named considered one of UK’s most needed in £13.5m modelling rip-off

Philip Foster, a former Brookside star, was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison in his absence after being identified as the leader of a £13.5million modelling fraud that deceived more than 6,000 victims

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Former Brookside actor Philip Foster, who constructed a fraudulent multi-million pound empire while enjoying a lavish lifestyle in Spain, has been identified as one of the UK’s most wanted.

Last year, Foster was revealed as the mastermind behind a series of bogus modelling agencies that swindled over £13.5m from thousands of individuals. The group duped more than 6,000 victims – predominantly young people and mothers – into parting with significant sums of money under the false pretence of securing paid modelling gigs.

It’s believed that Foster was living it up in Spain during this heartless scam, splurging his ill-gotten gains on a plethora of luxury items including high-end cars and watches.

Last year, the con artist was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years behind bars in his absence. However, attempts to locate him and extradite him back to the UK have thus far been fruitless.

Foster, aged 50, has now been listed among the 12 most sought-after by UK law enforcement in an appeal marking two decades since the initiation of Operation Captura – the investigation aimed at criminals who evade justice by fleeing to Spain.

Others named on the list include Kevin Parle, who is sought in relation to two murders from the mid-2000s, and Francis Parker, thought to be a member of the Huyton Firm gang, led by his father Francis Coggins and uncle Vincent, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Rick Jones, deputy director of international at the National Crime Agency (NCA), stated: “These are serious criminals and there’s nothing glamorous for the victims who’ve been hurt by these individuals, whether that’s people who have unfortunately got themselves addicted to drugs and will be harmed in a great, great many ways by that, or people being subject to frauds and perhaps lost a huge amount of money, maybe their life savings, from some of the individuals here.”

Lord Bichard, chair of the National Trading Standards, commented: “Foster’s cruel exploits left thousands of victims in serious debt, causing lasting emotional distress and significant financial pressures.”

Jenny Kent, executive member with responsibility for Trading Standards at City of York Council, which spearheaded the investigation into his gang, added: “Mr Foster and his associates made millions by exploiting the hopes of young people, leaving a trail of broken dreams and financial hardship.

“I urge everyone to question any modelling contract which demands money up front, and hope the young people and families affected can now move on to a brighter future, whichever path they choose.”

The scam operated by establishing a photography studio in the locality and launching a social media marketing blitz. Those who responded were given the misleading belief that a talent agency had spotted their potential, with correspondence informing them they showed promise.

Targets were then lured to a ‘complimentary’ trial photoshoot at the photography studio, which proved to be a ploy to swindle cash from them. During the trial session, targets received a studio experience, were presented with sleek brochures and told about the success stories of others.

They would subsequently be informed that they had succeeded in their studio assessment and that talent agencies were keen, but they needed to buy their portfolio images from the studio to join an agency and become a professional model.

Targets were conned by the group who, collectively, created a convincing façade of operating thriving modelling enterprises and deceived them about their prospects. Millions of pounds were stolen from wannabe models, with some pressured into funding the initial payment through credit arrangements organised by the con artists or securing costly payday advances.

Rather than success, targets received substandard digital images that had virtually no prospect of securing them professional assignments. Almost none of the targets obtained any paid modelling assignments.

The scam went unnoticed for such an extended period due to the continuous rebranding of the operation. The ECHO previously shed light on Foster’s unlawful exploits, revealing how he had duped others out of thousands in a similar scam over twenty years ago. Among those conned was Merseyside radio DJ Pete Price, who encountered Foster at an event at the Olympia around the turn of the millennium.

Foster’s son Michael was also handed a three-and-a-half-year sentence last year as part of the fraud case, sentenced in his absence. He is believed to be in Spain.

Rob Jones, the NCA’s director of general operations, issued a stern warning: “Our message is very clear. Spain is not a safe haven for fugitives and this partnership has shown time and again that if you run, we will not stop looking. We will find you, and we will bring you back to face justice.

“Fugitives rarely stop offending while on the run. They continue to harm communities in both Spain and the UK, and attempt to stay under the radar by blending into large British ex-pat populations. These are not people you want in your neighbourhood.

“Thanks to the strength of our relationship with Spanish law enforcement partners, and the combined determination and capabilities we are able to exploit, 90% of the individuals we have featured in Operation Captura have been located over the past two decades.”

Lord Ashcroft, founder and chair of Crimestoppers, stated: “For 20 years, Crimestoppers has worked alongside the National Crime Agency and our Spanish law enforcement partners to ensure that criminals fleeing the UK do not escape justice.

“We know that many people want to do the right thing but feel unable to speak directly to the police. That is exactly why Crimestoppers exists. With Crimestoppers, our anonymity guarantee means you can pass on information about dangerous fugitives without any fear of retribution. This new campaign is a powerful reminder that communities in both the UK and Spain are safer when people speak up.”

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