Singer Rita Ora loses thousands in investment company 'fraud'

Pop star Rita Ora has lost thousands of pounds in an alleged fraud.

The former X Factor judge, who now hosts America's Next Top Model, is an investor in a company that is a potential victim of financial crime.

The shareholders, made up of companies and individuals, are reported to have collectively lost around £2.3 million, and Ora has lost tens of thousands.

Police are now investigating claims that an accountant who "lived like a Saudi prince" siphoned off the money, according to The Sun.

Ora's lawyer, Graham Shear, said: "Rita Ora has multiple business interests globally.

"One of the companies in which she has an interest is a potential victim of fraud along with several other companies and individuals.

"The potential loss suffered by all the victims collectively is thought to be significant but only a proportion of that total figure will apply to the entity in which Ms Ora is one of several shareholders.

"Any loss suffered by the company in which Ms Ora has an interest will be recoverable from insurance policies which protect against this sort of professional misappropriation, fraud and other claims."

The alleged fraud comes just over a year after luxury items worth £200,000 were stolen from Ora's home, including phones, computers and a designer doggy bag.

Chanel perfume, Tiffany earrings and eight pairs of Louis Vuitton shoes were also taken from the singer's four-bedroom property in north-west London.

The burglar was jailed in June this year.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: "We can confirm Northamptonshire Police are conducting an ongoing financial investigation in respect of an ex-employee of Blue Cube Business Ltd.

"A 35-year-old man has been arrested and is currently on bail for this matter.

"This is a live investigation and therefore it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this stage."