Isle of Man businessman Jason Scales (30) has been accused of using forged documents and engaging in a multi-million euro fraud in an attempt to acquire Stobart Air in 2021
Scales is accused of providing fraudulent documents claiming Isle of Man government support for a loan to buy Santry-based Stobart Air which then ran the Aer Lingus Regional service before it was awarded to Emerald.
He presented documents to Aer Lingus purporting to show that the Isle of Man government was prepared to underwrite a £13m (€15m) loan that would be used to acquire Stobart Air.
Aer Lingus learned of the potential fraud via a text message asking if the island’s government had any role in the proposed purchase of Stobart Air.
Stobart Air collapsed in June 2021 as deal with Scales’ Ettyl fell through, leading to arrest and court proceedings for Scales. Defense due to begin arguments soon.
