A former actor who ran a £13.6m fraud that exploited aspiring young models has been sentenced to more than eight years in jail following a National Trading Standards (NTS) investigation.
Along with eight associates, Philip Foster (49) – who appeared in the Channel Four soap opera Brookside between 1995 and 1997 – ran an extensive network of sham modelling agencies which ripped off more than 6,000 victims over an eight-year period.
Foster, who was the ringleader of the operation, orchestrated the fraud from his home in Spain. Working with accomplices and photography studios in London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Coventry and Nottingham, Foster convinced young people and their parents to part with substantial sums of money under the false promise of securing modelling work.
Social media adverts encouraged aspiring models to get in touch, with follow-up emails giving the false impression that a modelling agency was interested in signing them up. Victims were then invited to a ‘free’ test shoot – once photographs had been taken, however, victims were told that they needed to purchase their portfolio photographs in order to join an agency.
Some of the bogus fees were gathered by coercing the victims to take out credit deals or expensive payday loans. After paying up, victims were given poor-quality digital photographs that stood no real chance of landing them professional jobs. Virtually none of the victims received any paid modelling work.
Philip Foster (image credit: National Trading Standards)
‘Despicable and dishonest’
The investigation was carried out by the NTS eCrime Team, which is hosted by North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council, and supported by the NTS South West Regional Investigations Team, hosted by Bristol City Council.
During six years of painstaking work, investigators conducted forensic analysis of financial transactions and gathered thousands of consumer complaints and witness testimonies.
They found that Foster’s sham agencies were often dissolved after short periods, rebranded repeatedly to avoid detection, and paid no tax. Money from the scam was laundered through UK bank accounts before being transferred to Spain or carried in cash on commercial flights by co-conspirators.
Investigators traced substantial sums to Foster, who lived in luxury abroad and purchased high-end watches and cars with the proceeds of the fraud. The investigation heard that many victims, who were left financially and emotionally devastated, described feeling humiliated and betrayed. Some experienced lasting distress that affected their confidence, wellbeing and ability to trust others.
Foster’s accomplices were also found guilty (image credit: National Trading Standards)
In his sentencing comments at Sheffield Crown Court on 28 February, Judge HHJ Dixon said: “This case involved a systematic and carefully planned fraud. It was horrible, despicable, dishonest behaviour. The officers have carried out an exceptional job to bring these defendants to justice.”
NTS Chair, Lord Michael Bichard, said: “Foster’s cruel exploits left thousands of victims in serious debt, causing lasting emotional distress and significant financial pressures.
“Today’s sentences are an important reminder to would-be criminals that Trading Standards Officers across the country are determined to clamp down on fraud, protecting victims and bringing criminals to justice.”
Foster, who is currently living in Spain, is now the subject of an extradition order. In his absence, he was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years’ imprisonment for conspiracies to commit fraud.
Michael Foster (27) of Snowdon Lane, Liverpool, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years for conspiracy to defraud; Paul Evans (39) of no known address, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years for offences related to money laundering; Jamie Peters (52) of Pentland Place, Warrington, was sentenced to 24 months, suspended for two years, for conspiracy to defraud; and Lisa Foster (42) of Manchester Road, Astley, was sentenced to 18 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud.
Emily Newall (29) of Bolton Road, Kearsley, was sentenced to 10 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud; Atif Qadar (44) of Larkswood Drive, Crowthorne, was sentenced to 12 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud; Paul Fleury (57) of Manchester Road, Swinton, was sentenced to 18 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud; and Aslihan Foster (39) of Tredington Road, Coventry, was sentenced to 18 months, suspended for 12 months, for an offence related to money laundering.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for managing our environment, Councillor Greg White, said: “Foster and his fellow scammers cruelly exploited young hopefuls trying to break into one of the most competitive industries. In some cases, parents borrowed money or sacrificed savings, believing they were investing in their children’s futures.
“I urge anyone searching online for modelling opportunities to remember that legitimate agencies don’t ask for money upfront; it’s often only scam agencies who push expensive photoshoots as a pre-requisite to getting work.”
Councillor Jenny Kent, Executive Member with responsibility for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said: “Today’s sentencing follows years of highly effective Trading Standards investigative work. 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 that the young people and families affected can now move on to a brighter future, whichever path they choose.”
