John Lyttle, former CEO of Boohoo, resigned amidst claims of stalking and corporate espionage.
- Lyttle, who stepped down in October, mentioned these concerns as reasons for his resignation.
- Manchester and Kent police are investigating stalking offences involving Lyttle and other Boohoo executives.
- Executives reported being followed in various UK locations, sparking a police probe.
- Surveillance equipment was discovered near Boohoo’s headquarters, raising security concerns.
John Lyttle, who held the position of CEO at the online fashion retailer Boohoo, resigned earlier this year. His departure follows allegations of stalking and ‘corporate espionage’ levied by several executives within the company. The Times reported that these serious claims were cited by Lyttle as a principal factor leading to his decision to step down in October, ending his five-year tenure at the company.
The situation has drawn attention after news emerged that police in both Manchester and Kent have initiated investigations into reports of stalking. These offences are believed to target not only Lyttle but also the new Boohoo CEO, Dan Finley, and co-founder Mahmud Kamani. The executives reported being shadowed by unknown individuals on public transport and in various public areas across London, Manchester, and Kent. Such activities have raised significant concern over personal safety and privacy within the organisation.
Allegations have further intensified following an incident where two individuals purportedly trespassed on John Lyttle’s property. Additionally, Mahmud Kamani experienced a direct confrontation when reportedly assaulted by one of these individuals. In a separate incident, Boohoo identified unregistered surveillance equipment stationed outside its Manchester headquarters on November 13. This equipment was actively recording staff as they entered and exited the premises, escalating the gravity of the security breach. The device was subsequently removed, and the event was reported to the Greater Manchester police, the Information Commissioner’s Office, and local council authorities.
Despite the ongoing investigations, the individuals responsible for these surveillance and stalking activities remain unidentified. Furthermore, any entity that might have commissioned such actions is also unknown, complicating the legal proceedings. As of now, no arrests have been made. A Boohoo spokesperson stated, “It would be inappropriate to comment whilst a police investigation is ongoing,” refraining from further public statements due to the sensitive nature of the inquiries.
The allegations against John Lyttle and associated investigations highlight significant security concerns within Boohoo.
