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The signage for the offices of Arboretum Sports, in Parkview Business Centre, Chineham Business Park

DETECTIVES are investigating the alleged collapse of a multi-million-pound gambling scheme which could see many investors in Basingstoke hugely out of pocket.

A liquidation company was called in at the request of one of the directors of Arboretum Sports - which has premises at Chineham Business Park.

The Gazette has learned that many people who have paid large amounts of cash into the company - founded by Dave Dixon, a professional gambler - have not seen the promised returns on their investments and have not been able to make contact with Mr Dixon.

The Gazette has previously reported how Mr Dixon, who used to live in the Beggarwood Lane area of Kempshott, was the victim of a burglary when knife-wielding thieves stole more than £60,000 in cash from his home.

Winchester Crown Court heard that Mr Dixon told the police that he had obtained the cash as a result of his professional gambling and that he had intended to use it to place further bets.

It is believed that Arboretum Sports works on a "risk-free" profit promise, using arbitrage betting to exploit differences in bookmakers' odds.

Nedim Ailyan, a liquidator at Abbott Fielding, confirmed that he was handling the case, which he said involved in excess of £11million in investments from members of the public.

He said that information relating to the company was being handed over to Basingstoke CID.

"We believe that more than 650 people have paid into this scheme and letters have been sent out to inform them of the situation regarding Arboretum Sports," he explained.

He added: "We have been unable to locate any bank accounts that contain any money belonging to Arboretum Sports."

Anyone with any concerns can e-mail info@abbottfielding.co.uk Julie Jones, media and corporate communications manager for the North and East Hampshire Operational Command Unit, confirmed that CID officers from Basingstoke are investigating to see if there was any criminal element to the firm's activities.

She added that if a serious offence has been committed, the case may be passed to the Serious Fraud Office to investigate further.

Have you had any dealings with Dave Dixon or invested cash in Arboretum Sports? If so, contact Vicky O'Hare on 01256 337423 or e-mail vicky.ohare@basingstokegazette.co.uk

8:32am Friday 2nd May 2008

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