The man behind the failed 2021 takeover of Stobart Air (Dublin International) is facing fraud charges. Jason Scales appeared in an Isle of White court on January 19, 2023, on charges connected with the failed takeover bid. At the heart of the matter is a purported loan to finance the acquisition, which authorities say never existed.
Scales was initially charged in early 4Q 2022 and first appeared before a Douglas court in early November. He is currently facing a committal to a higher court. The 28-year-old is facing one charge of dishonestly making a false representation regarding the loan and two charges of possessing fraudulent documents, with the Isle of Man's Attorney General alleging that between April 7 and June 5, 2021, Scales made or intended to make a false representation, namely claiming that the Isle of Man government was underwriting a GBP13 million pound (USD16.12 million dollars) loan to buy Stobart Air.
A BBC report provides some further detail on the alleged offences. It says Scales had produced a letter of support and guarantee, as well as indemnity documentation purportedly signed by Mark Lewin, chief executive of the Isle of Man's Department of Enterprise, and Chief Secretary William Greenhow.
In 2021, the blockchain and technology incubator and self-styled entrepreneur living on the Isle of Man made a GBP2 (USD2.48) cash offer to buy Stobart Air after that airline hit financial trouble. Stobart Air operated flights on behalf of other airlines and in late 2020, its key client, Aer Lingus (EI, Dublin International), told Stobart that its contract to operate Aer Lingus Regional flights would be going to another airline in 2023 - Emerald Airlines (Ireland) (EA, Dublin International).
Scales, who has no aviation industry experience, established a company called Ettyl, and his proposed deal included a 2024 performance payment of up to GBP7.5 million (USD9.3 million). But by late 2Q 2021, questions were been asked about Ettyl's financing sources and "potential irregularities." Stobart's owner, Esken Ltd, ended talks and soon after Stobart Air ceased operations.
Scales remains on conditional bail, with a ban on leaving the Isle of Man. He says he no longer has any direct business interests on the Isle of Man but will continue to consult and advise "when required of me." He says his legal representatives have challenged the committal proceedings and that "the fight is only getting started."
