Right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, may face a criminal investigation over allegations of perjury and fraud, according to a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary. The investigation, which took 12 months to complete, found that former director of public prosecutions Sir Max Hill KC believes some of the evidence could justify a police inquiry. Robinson denied the allegations in a written statement, saying he does not accept claims of perjury or fraud.
The documentary, titled Tommy Robinson: Where's The Money Gone?, claims that despite receiving hundreds of thousands of pounds in public donations, several high-profile fundraising campaigns failed to deliver promised support to their intended recipients. Sir Max highlighted concerns that a specific appeal for a survivor of the Telford grooming scandal—referred to as "Kate"—may have involved fraud through misrepresentation. Kate said she received no money from the campaign, and she accused Robinson of secretly filming a suicidal phone call and broadcasting it using her real name, despite having promised anonymity. Robinson denied using her crisis for financial gain and said the footage was shared with her consent, noting that four other survivors did receive financial help, though he could not reach Kate.
The investigation also looked into claims that Robinson lied under oath during a 2022 court hearing related to his failure to pay £100,000 in libel damages to a Syrian schoolboy. In court, Robinson claimed he had no involvement in managing a company run by his ex-wife, Jenna Lennon, and that their finances were separate. However, the documentary showed a legal contract signed by Robinson on behalf of the company and emails showing him directing staff. It also revealed that significant sums from business deals were sent directly to his ex-wife's personal account. Sir Max described the evidence as "deeply concerning" and said it warranted a criminal investigation into perjury, which could carry a maximum seven-year prison sentence. Robinson denied any wrongdoing, stating that the company was linked to his ex-wife and that the payments were not meant to hide his income.
The documentary also challenged Robinson's claim that he has been "debanked" in the UK, meaning his accounts have been closed. Reporter Matt Shea showed that money could be transferred into an active Metro Bank account under Robinson's real name. Robinson explained that it was a basic personal account, not a standard current account, and insisted that donations go directly to his campaigns rather than his personal finances.
Further questions were raised about other fundraising efforts, including one for the family of Peter Lynch, a rioter who died in prison. A former security worker claimed that money collected in buckets was never passed on to the family. Robinson said the family declined the funds, which were then used to support his own children. The documentary also reported that four companies handling donations failed to file financial records, with three going into liquidation owing money to the government. A former associate, Lauren Southern, alleged she saw Robinson using donor money for personal expenses, including drugs and luxury items. Robinson dismissed these claims as false and denied using donations for personal gain or gambling.
Right-Wing Activist Tommy Robinson Faces Criminal Probe Over Alleged Perjury and Fraud
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