Furthermore, the watchdog has expanded its investigations to look into the possibility that someone with inside information may have asked a third party to wager on their behalf, which is a significant new step.
News has also learned that within days of Rishi Sunak’s announcement on May 22, detectives wrote to prominent bookies requesting information on wagers of at least £20 on the election date.
The Gambling Commission, which is conducting the probe, already has a keen interest in political betting and double-checks bets placed by individuals.
Additionally, the gambling industry views politicians and those in their immediate vicinity as “entrusted with a prominent public function” or PEPs, or politically exposed persons.
The Law Society states that this is because these individuals “present a higher risk for potential involvement in bribery and corruption by virtue of their position and influence” in general.
On Saturday night, word leaked out that Nick Mason, the chief data officer for the Conservative party, was the fourth official or candidate under investigation within the party. He has taken a leave of absence and says he has done nothing improper.
