Former Rangers owner Whyte arrested in Mexico over 2011 sale

Former Rangers owner Whyte arrested in Mexico over 2011 sale

Published Nov. 27, 2014 7:49 a.m. ET
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Former Rangers owner Craig Whyte has been detained in Mexico.

An arrest warrant was issued a fortnight ago for the 43-year-old in connection with an investigation into the sale of Rangers Football Club in 2011.

Whyte took control of the Ibrox club in May 2011 but it went into administration in February the following year.

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It is understood he was held by police yesterday.

Prosecutors in Scotland said they would take steps to ensure Whyte appears in court in Glasgow.

A Crown Office spokesman said: "We have been advised that the warrant for Craig Whytehas been executed by the Mexican authorities, and our International Co-operation Unit, working with Police Scotland's Fugitives Unit and the National Crime Agency, will take the necessary steps to secure his appearance at Glasgow Sheriff Court to answer the warrant."

The Crown will examine the extradition treaty with Mexico and establish the legal basis for extraditing him, unless he agrees to come back.

Four men appeared in court earlier this month charged with fraudulent activity linked to the sale of the club three years ago.

Gary Withey, 50, David Whitehouse, 49, Paul Clark, 50, and David Grier, 53, were granted bail following a hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

A separate arrest warrant was issued for Whyte after he failed to attend a court hearing last week at the Royal Courts of Justice in London after being ordered to pay more than £17million to Ticketus.

The news of Whyte's detention was welcomed by Rangers boss Ally McCoist.

He said: "It's a police matter which I obviously wouldn't and couldn't comment on. But I am pleased that the police are doing something about it, to be quite honest. I think everybody in the club is."

Reports on Thursday morning also suggested a string of major figures from the club's recent past could be called to give evidence in the impending court proceedings.

Former owner Sir David Murray and ex-boss Walter Smith are likely to be called as witnesses, the Daily Record claimed.

Also likely to be asked to give their version of events are former directors Alastair Johnston - both axed from the club's board by Whyte - as well as former chief executive Martin Bain, now working for Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv.

And McCoist confirmed he has also been warned he may have to take the stand.

He said: "I have been sent information that (giving evidence) might be a possibility."

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